Anyone who owns old coins should never clean them. Coin collectors pay more for pieces in their original, unaltered condition, so leave your coins as-is. You will receive more money for them when you are ready to sell.

Why Coin Collectors Should Avoid Cleaning

Cleaning your coins—no matter how gentle you may be or what tools you use—can cause permanent damage. Most cleaning techniques will remove the coin’s natural patina, the film or residue accumulated over time. It can range from grey to dark brown, and it both verifies the coin’s authenticity and adds a time-worn charm.

Some cleaning methods, such as scrubbing with a toothbrush, can leave tiny scratches in the metal. This will be visible to coin collectors right away, as the scratches reflect light unnaturally. Under a magnifying glass, they may even be able to see the lacerations. In the end, cleaning your coins will severely lower their value, making it hard to sell or trade your collection.

How to Take Care of Your Rare Coins

Instead of cleaning your coins, focus on storing them properly. If you have a small collection, invest in coin flips, which are individual coin holders. These containers are made of coin-safe materials like polyester and have space for small tags where you can write descriptions.

If you have a sizable collection, use a three-ring binder with pocket sleeves, similar to baseball card holders. Both of these options will keep your coins from touching and scratching each other, whether they are sitting on a shelf on jostling around a moving van.

When you want to take out your coins and show them off, handle them by the edges and lay them on a soft surface. If anything ever spills on one of your coins, do not wipe it clean. Rinse it off in lukewarm water, and pat it dry.

To learn more about becoming a great coin collector, ask the experts at Cincinnati’s Coins Plus. This “National Award Winning and PNG Dealer” has been buying and selling rare coins since 1972, and they will be happy to show you the ropes. They also work as appraisers, so you can ask for an estimate when you are ready to sell or trade your collection. Learn more about this respected shop online or by calling (513) 621-1996 today.