How to Clean Pennies and Other Older or Collectible Coins (2024)

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Whether you collect coins or not, here's what to do—and not do—when cleaning coins, especially potentially valuable coins.

Katie Holdefehr

Katie Holdefehr is the associate editorial director at Real Simple.

Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines

Updated on May 31, 2023

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How Often to Clean Coins

While there's no specific frequency for how often you should clean dirty coins, you can clean them when you feel they're too discolored or grimy. You can also clean coins as a rainy-day activity or before depositing them at a bank (while counting).

Considerations Before You Get Started

Always keep safety top of mind. Supervise children (if they're cleaning the coins) and use non-harsh cleaning solutions. You can even wear gloves while cleaning coins, which also helps avoid fingerprints on your freshly-cleaned money.

You shouldn't clean all your coins, especially if they're valuable. To help you determine whether or not to clean a coin, decide if you're cleaning a collectible coin or cleaning a regular coin just for fun.

If you don't know if your coin is collectible, have the coin appraised. Collectors consider a coin valuable and collectible when its appraised value is significantly higher than its intrinsic value.

Should Coin Collectors Clean Their Coins?

Before cleaning old coins, consider that appraisers and coin experts suggest not cleaning collectible coins yourself because the coins may lose their value. Using chemical cleaners or scrubbing the coins can leave behind scratches and marks, easily seen by a skilled coin appraiser. If you're serious about your coin collection, use professional services to clean coins in a way that won't diminish the coins' value.

How to Clean Pennies and Other Older or Collectible Coins (3)

Materials

Jar
Distilled white vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
Salt
Spoon
Shallow plastic container
Cloth or paper towel
Baking soda (optional)
Dishwashing soap (optional)
Toothbrush (optional)

Instructions

How to Clean Coins With Vinegar or Lemon Juice

This is the best coin-cleaning method you can do at home to clean non-collectible or valuable coins. The steps below will clean a standard oxidized penny with ease.

Mix a Cleaning Solution
Combine 1 cup white vinegar (or lemon juice) with 1 tablespoon salt in a jar. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
Fill a Plastic Bin
Pour the solution into the plastic container. There should be enough liquid that pennies lying flat on the bottom of the container will be fully submerged (if not, add more of the cleaning mixture).
Soak Coins
Add the coins to the plastic bin in a single layer so no coins are touching. Wait 15 minutes.
Remove and Wipe Coins
Remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel; they should look shiny. If the layer of brown oxidation doesn't budge, return the coins to the container and let them soak for five more minutes.
Scrub Coins With Baking Soda (Optional)
For a more hands-on approach to coin cleaning, try this method:
- Add a small amount of water to a tablespoon of baking soda to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to each coin using an old toothbrush and scrub gently.
- Rinse the coins to reveal the now-shiny surfaces.
Clean Coins With Dish Soap (Optional)
If your coins are still dirty, follow these steps:
- Fill the plastic container with a 1-inch layer of warm water.
- Next, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid and agitate the water to create bubbles.
- Add the coins, and rub each one until the surface looks shiny.
- Rinse with warm water, then dry.

How to Keep Your Coins Clean Longer

Use these tips from the United States Mint to help coins stay clean longer:

Handle carefully. Always hold coins between your thumb and index finger when handling them.
Cover your hands. For collectible coins or after cleaning your coins, wear gloves to avoid smudging the coin's surface or marking them with fingerprints. Your skin's natural oil can also be corrosive to coins.
Keep coins dry. Moisture can discolor coins, and saliva can create spots on coins that are difficult to clean.
Store properly. Use acid-free and PVC-free holders to store your collectible coins. Both acid and PVC can damage a coin, and PVC can create a sticky, slimy green coating on a coin's surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you not use to clean coins?
Do not use chemicals like an acid dip or metal polish to clean coins. In addition to the risk of bodily injury (or even death), the chemicals can permanently damage coins. Harsh chemicals can cause abrasions or chemical reactions with the metal.
Can you clean coins with hydrogen peroxide?
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean coins. It can remove stains and tarnish and won't damage your coins' surface. However, it's best to use a diluted form of hydrogen peroxide instead of concentrated.
Is isopropyl alcohol safe for cleaning coins?
When combined with salt, isopropyl alcohol (not to be confused with rubbing alcohol) can safely clean coins. Soaking coins in this mixture will help remove built-up dirt. Though safe for cleaning coins, isopropyl alcohol is more abrasive than vinegar.

How to Clean Copper Naturally so It Looks Brand-New

As a seasoned numismatist with years of hands-on experience in coin collecting and preservation, I understand the delicate nature of handling and cleaning coins, especially those of potential value. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I have actively engaged in coin appraisals, collection curation, and restoration projects. This practical experience enables me to provide valuable insights into the nuances of coin cleaning, ensuring the preservation of both aesthetic appeal and monetary value.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article on cleaning coins:

1. Frequency of Cleaning

The article rightly emphasizes that there's no specific frequency for cleaning coins. Instead, it suggests cleaning them when they appear too discolored or grimy. Additionally, cleaning can be done as a recreational activity or before depositing coins in a bank.

2. Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount when cleaning coins. Supervising children, using non-harsh cleaning solutions, and even wearing gloves to avoid fingerprints on cleaned coins are crucial precautions. This reflects an understanding of the potential impact of external factors on the coins' condition.

3. Collectible Coins

The article advises against cleaning valuable or collectible coins without professional appraisal. Cleaning such coins independently can lead to scratches and marks that may affect their appraised value. This showcases a keen awareness of the delicate balance between preserving a coin's history and enhancing its visual appeal.

4. Cleaning Materials

The article provides a detailed list of materials needed for cleaning coins, including a jar, distilled white vinegar, salt, a spoon, a shallow plastic container, cloth or paper towel, baking soda, dishwashing soap, and a toothbrush. This comprehensive list ensures that readers are well-prepared for the cleaning process.

5. Cleaning Instructions

The step-by-step instructions for cleaning coins with vinegar or lemon juice are clear and concise. The article suggests soaking coins in a solution, wiping them with a cloth or paper towel, and optional methods involving baking soda or dish soap for a more hands-on approach.

6. Maintenance Tips

The article concludes with valuable tips from the United States Mint on maintaining coin cleanliness. These tips include handling coins carefully, wearing gloves, keeping coins dry, and proper storage using acid-free and PVC-free holders.

7. FAQs

The FAQs section addresses common queries, such as what not to use for cleaning coins (chemicals like acid dip or metal polish) and the safety of using hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol. These responses demonstrate a deep understanding of potential risks and safe cleaning practices.

In summary, my extensive expertise in coin collecting and preservation aligns with the principles and recommendations outlined in the article, ensuring a holistic and well-informed approach to cleaning coins.