The answer to whether or not you should clean coins before appraisal is a bit complicated. It really depends on the type of coin and its condition. In general, it is best to not clean coins, as cleaning can damage their surfaces and affect the coin’s value.
A professional appraiser will be able to determine the type of coin and its condition based on their observations and knowledge of various coins. If a coin appears to be particularly dirty, an expert may recommend a cleaning before appraising it, but this can affect the potential value of the coin.
Cleaning coins can also lead to permanent damage, so it is best to consider the consequences before doing so. All in all, it’s best to leave coins as is, and seek the guidance of a professional appraiser for the best results.
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Does cleaning coins reduce their value?
Cleaning coins can potentially reduce the value of a coin, depending on the amount of cleaning done, the type of coin, and its current condition. Generally, coins with a light patina or tarnish can be carefully cleaned to remove surface dirt and debris, but not to the point where the underlying metal is disturbed.
Coins that have been overly cleaned, Clean Herd Coins, can cause the metal surfaces to become scratched or clouded and are often considered less valuable. A direct chemical solvents such as Tarn-X and a soft-bristled toothbrush can be used to clean coins safely, but one should take extra caution not to overdo it.
Abrasive cloths and soaps should never be used to clean coins. Additionally, rare coins and proof coins, which may experience a steeper decline in value if cleaned, should not be cleaned by novices and it is best to seek professional advice from a coin dealer before attempting to do so.
How much does cleaning a coin devalue it?
Cleaning a coin can devalue it significantly, depending on how much of the coin’s surface has been obscured or altered. Oftentimes, cleaning a coin removes patina, which is the thin layer of discoloration on the surface of the coin.
This thin layer can be a significant part of the coin’s value. In the worst case, cleaning a coin may even remove intricate or raised details on the coin’s surface, drastically reducing its value. Furthermore, cleaning a coin may cause it to become more brittle or even cause corrosion.
Even if the coins looks better after being cleaned, in the eyes of a coin collector, it is worth much less than it would have otherwise.
How do you clean coins without losing value?
The best way to clean coins without losing value is to use specific cleaning solutions specifically designed for coins. The most common recommended solutions are dilute solutions of detergents and water, copper cleaner, and benzine.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse your coins after cleaning. Additionally, use a soft toothbrush or soft cloth to scrub the coins. Doing this will help prevent scratching them, which will help preserve their value.
Some general household solutions can be used as well. For example, baking soda and vinegar create a cleaning solution that will help remove dirt and grime from coins. Lastly, silver coins should not be cleaned at all as it can strip away the patina and significantly reduce their numismatic value.
How do professionals clean old coins?
Professional coin cleaning requires knowledge and experience in order to do it properly. First and foremost, before ever attempting to clean a coin, professional numismatists should always consult with a numismatic professional to determine the value and desirability of the coin in its current condition.
Some coins may have value due to their age or patina, and so cleaning them may reduce their value or detrimental.
For coins that are likely to not have higher value based on their current condition and can be safely cleaned, it is important to use the right materials and technique. Professionals often use warm water, a soft brush and a mild, pH-neutral soap such as dish soap to gently clean the surface of the coin.
It is important to avoid acids or any harsh chemicals, as it could damage the metal of the coin. After gently brushing the coin, the surface should be rinsed off with clean, warm water and dried with a soft cloth.
Lastly, if there is still debris on the coin that is unable to be removed through traditional cleaning methods, professionals may use sonic cleaners, also known as Ultrasonics. Ultrasonics are a more intensive cleaning method and techniques should be researched in advance, as sonic cleaners can cause damage to coins if not used correctly.
Overall, professional coin cleaning is a delicate process requiring knowledge, experience and caution. Cleaning coins needs to be done with care, otherwise the coins may be damaged or devalued. It is always best to consult with a numismatic professional first prior to attempting to clean a coin.
What does PCGS use to clean coins?
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) uses an ultrasonic cleaning machine to clean coins. This device uses sound waves to vibrate on a microscopic level, creating tiny bubbles that agitate and remove stuck-on dirt, dust, or grime without any chemical agents.
Non-abrasive detergents or mild dish soaps are sometimes used in conjunction with the ultrasonic cleaning process, depending on the condition and type of coin. Additionally, soft brush or cloth is sometimes used to rub away stubborn debris.
PCGS has specific guidelines for the use of cleaning solutions and to ensure coins are not over-polished or ruined. PCGS has professional numismatists on staff who are knowledgeable about the special needs of coins that require cleaning.
What liquid cleans coins the best?
When it comes to getting coins clean, rubbing alcohol is one of the most popular liquids to use. It is an effective cleaner, leaving the coins clean and free of dirt and oxidation. Rubbing alcohol is also a great cleaner for coins that have already been artificially toned.
The alcohol will remove the toning and restore the original luster of the coin. It is important to note that not all rubbing alcohol is the same; some are more acidic than others, which can cause damage to the coin’s patina.
Therefore, if you do use rubbing alcohol, make sure to choose one that is labeled as non-acidic. Another effective liquid for cleaning coins is ammonia. However, ammonia is known to cause toning if not used properly, so it’s best to use it in moderation.
If used in the right amounts, ammonia can be used to remove dirt and grime without causing any damage to the coin’s finish. The final liquid to consider is vinegar, which can be especially effective in removing perspiration stains from coins.
A five percent solution of vinegar in water is recommended, and it can be used as a soak or wipe to gently remove the perspiration stains.
Will vinegar ruin coins?
No, vinegar will not ruin coins. In general, vinegar does not cause any damage to coins, though it may cause coins to become discolored or dull over time. Coins may be soaked in white vinegar for a few minutes to remove any dirt or grime without damaging the coins.
However, some experts may advise against soaking coins in vinegar because of the potential to cause corrosion of the metal if left too long. There are other methods which are preferred by coin collectors which can be used to clean coins, such as using a special detergent and a soft-bristled brush, or a mixture of baking soda and water.
What happens if you leave coins in vinegar?
If you leave coins in vinegar, the vinegar will slowly start to cause a chemical reaction in the metal of the coins. This is known as oxidation and can cause the coins to corrode and form an ugly greenish discoloration on the surface of the metal.
The metal can also become pitted and pitted over time. Eventually, the metal in the coin can be completely eaten away and cause the coin to lose its value. It is important to note that the reaction between vinegar and coins is irreversible, so make sure to remove the coins from the vinegar as soon as possible.
Does vinegar damage old coins?
No, vinegar does not typically damage old coins. Depending on the type of coins, vinegar can help to remove corrosion, dirt, and other buildups from both the surface of coins and from the area around the affected coin.
Vinegar has been used for decades as part of the cleaning process for coins, and although some coin cleaning purposes prefer to use detergents instead, vinegar is a safe option that can be used on some old coins.
It should be noted, however, that there are certain types of coins, such as coins that are emblems of a country or state, that should only be cleaned with water.
How can I get my coins evaluated?
If you have coins that you are looking to have evaluated, there are two main options available. The first is to take your coins to a professional numismatist or coin dealer. A numismatist is an expert in coins and can offer you an accurate assessment of your coins’ condition and value.
Experienced coin dealers can also provide accurate evaluations and might even be able to make you an offer to purchase the coins.
The other option is to do your own research and evaluation. To start, you can join an online coin collecting forum or club and ask experienced members to look at your coins and give their opinion. You can also use the Internet to research coin values and look up auction results for coins like yours.
It is important to understand coin grading, which is the established scale used to rate coins from poor to uncirculated. Coin grading companies will also assign a numerical grade to your coins for a fee.
Once you have evaluated your coins, you can place them in the marketplace for sale either online, through a coin show or through a local coin shop.
How much does it cost to get coins appraised?
The cost of getting coins appraised depends on the type of coin, the complexity of the appraisal and the experience of the appraiser. A basic coin appraisal may start at $20 or $30 and can go up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for rare and valuable coins.
If you need a more detailed appraisal with a written report, it will generally cost more. Additionally, an experienced appraiser may command more for their services. For example, PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) charges $20 for each coin submitted for a basic appraisal and an additional $20 for a written report.
For an experienced appraiser from a respected coin dealer, the cost may be much higher. Ultimately, the cost of a coin appraisal is determined by the market and can vary significantly from one appraiser to the next.
How can I check the value of my coins?
There are a couple of ways to check the value of your coins. The most common approach is to use a coin price guide to look up the value of your coins. This can be done online or with the help of a coin price guide book.
Additionally, you can also find the value of your coins by taking them to a coin dealer for appraisal. The coin dealer can evaluate your coins based on their age, condition, and any rare features they may possess.
Once the dealer has appraised your coins, you will have a better understanding of their current value. Additionally, online auction sites such as eBay also offer an effective way to research the value of coins.
Using these sites, you can compare auction prices of your coins with similar coins to get an idea of their relative value in the current market.
Who evaluates coin collections?
Coin collections are usually evaluated by a numismatist, which is someone who is well-versed in coins and other forms of legal tender. A numismatist will be able to assess the overall value of a coin collection based on factors such as the coins’ rarity, condition, history and the age of the collection.
They are also knowledgeable about the numismatic market, which includes the current market price for certain coins. A numismatist may also be able to provide an appraisal for a collection, which would include an estimated value for the entire collection or individual coins.
This can be especially useful for insurance or inheritance purposes. Lastly, a numismatist may have specialist knowledge about certain series of coins, such as American coins or foreign coins, which can be of great help when attempting to evaluate a coin collection.
Is there an app to scan coins for value?
Yes, there are apps that can be used to scan coins for value. These apps use a combination of image recognition, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to quickly assess coins and determine their value.
They can also provide detailed information about the coin, the current market value, recent auction sales and more. Examples of these apps include CoinSnap, Coin Monitor, and The Official US Coin Guide.
Each of these apps come with their own unique features and it is important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.
