Cleaning Silver and Copper Coins with Distilled White Vinegar

If silver or copper coins are cleaned with distilled white vinegar, will there be any long-term effects on the metal?

What do you have to say?

 

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Yup. It's acidic.........something is gonna be affected.

 

Without knowing what you're trying to clean...

I wouldn't do it to my coins.

 

Vinegar is 5% acetic acid, a weak organic acid. It is effective at cleaning because it can cause compounds of many metals to change to acetate salts by reaction. Acetate salts are very soluble so the schmutz can be rinsed away. Unfortunately if the schmutz is filling holes, scratches, etc. on the coin, the surface can be affected. Other than that, if all the vinegar is rinsed off, the only residual effect would be the reaction of the clean/reactive metal surface with the environment.

 

The best way to find out is to find some common date Kennedy's with the same problem and try it .

 

i use denture toothpaste on all my copper coins only, then i wash them with vinegar,then i wash them with dish soap,then i cook them for 3.5 minutes .the results are amazing.........

 

Amazing in what way? Toothpaste is a moderate abrasive and vinegar is an acid. I'm sure they come out nice and shiny, but destroyed as far as value.

Oh wait, you were being ironic. I think...

 

This is not about destroyed the value . It's about the long-term effects on the metal if any

 

The effects would probably be comparable to a light dip. I would not do it to copper at all, and I'd use a regular silver dip (suitably diluted) for silver if it were warranted by ugly toning.

 

Why not on copper ?

 

Copper turns funny colors when it's dipped. More like pink than original-looking mint red.

 

The damage to the metal will be immediate, and the long term affects are permanent.

 

How about..Hydrogen peroxide..ive used it..ill show results if able to produce a picture.

 

Yes, let me see a good image. I have used vinegar, it can accomplish some good things. Hydrogen peroxide is known to help clean zinc coins, and aluminum coins, as to copper coins cuprous oxide (a thin tarnish like appearance) is common and can be successfully removed with pure white vinegar. If properly done, rinse well in distilled water. I often finish by gently scrubbing the coin with a toothbrush with Joy dish detergent. Dry, then rinse in acetone. let dry. Some coins need protection, before putting into a 2x2, I rub in a very light coating of mineral oil, which prevents future oxidation. But not all coppers/bronzes need this. It is important that you remove all of the vinegar, even using baking soda if the coins has lots of crevices. But let me see your pic.

 

And what are the affects

 

No he's not being cute, it's true! The only thing I'd add is finishing it in boiling water to kill any bacteria that may accrue from the oven. Just make sure it's distilled water, or you'll ruin the coin.

 

How would the tap water ruin the coin ?

 

Good question. Tap water has chlorine.

 

Other then the change of color no other effects on the metal like a hole or staining