Cleaning coins? Pics of just a few of our bicentennial quarters

Hey y'all. My husband tells me I shouldn't try to clean my coins. He says there is a possibility tgat doing so (if i had any valuable) could make the value go down. Is there a safe way to clean coins that won't cause damage or decreased value? Would using a soft bristle tooth brush and dawn dish soap and water do any damage or harm?

Also quick question, one of my D mint bicentennial quarters is extremely thin looking compared to the others. I haven't weighed it yet but the coin is in good condition so I was wondering what causes a coin to wear thin. Gonna take some pics later of some of our other pretties.

 

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Yes, Candi anything that is abrasive.... Even a soft bristle brush will do harm. Your husband is on the money on this one. I been collecting fifty years and I haven't cleaned any of my coins, but I am sure the experts will be along any minute now to give the the skinny on acetone baths and such. But please keep the bushes off the coins in the meantime.

 

Whatever you try to clean them with even the gentlest of rubbing will leave faint hairline scratches on the surface.
From your pics they look like they are toning not particularly dirty.
EDIT: Randy beat me to it

 

If they were mine, I wouldn't do more than swish them in a little acetone. Coins more than a few years old look fine with a bit of toning or "skin" on them. At least many of us prefer them that way.

 

Hey, @Candi Everett I'll take a little different position. If you have uncirculated or proof coins, be VERY cautious about cleaning them. If you have rare coins (1909 S VDB), don't clean them. Pocket change, found on ground (FOG) coins, clean away. Just bear in mind that although a toothbrush won't scratch metal, that dirt and grit on the coin, if scrubbed around particularly with a cloth, will leave scratches. Staying on the side of caution, don't clean coins. Practically, a mild detergent and a soft toothbrush won't do any harm on circulated coins. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse them and pat or blot dry.

 

Get some of that silver jewelry dip at Walmart and dip one for just a few seconds. It will make them look like new. But, I wouldn't use it on any real keepers.

 

In this case you need to listen to your husband. In most other cases, he needs to listen to you. Lol

 

As long as it is a dip and not a polish, why not.

 

Here are a couple more of our pretties

 

Just a quick dip and a good rinse in running water. Works good.

 

Try using a stick.

 

But not on copper...

 

Don't use it on copper.

 

Silver jewelry dip from Wallyworld not polish quick dip and thorough rinse but not on copper

 

Are these steel pennies fixable? Found this in my mama and daddys things after daddy passed in 2017 and then mama in 2019. I seem to remember the color making them look very similar to a dime. I dont take these out much, Dave keeps them locked away safe for me since i don't handle my emotions well about anything "them". Weird, i know but our three kids and our two nephews will one day have a little keepsake that was their Granny and Papas

 

Those are made of steel and appear to be corroded with rust. The rust can be removed but the damage will still be there. In all honesty you can buy them raw on eBay for pretty cheap if you want nice looking ones.

 

You can throw anything in lye and hope for the best!

 

A little soapy ammonia diluted 1:4 will do a nice job, but only 30 seconds or so.