Q&A for How to Clean Copper Coins in Seconds

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  • Question
    Can I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the coins?
    Community Answer
    Since all alcohol is neutral (having neither acidic or alkaline charges) it will only remove ceraint oil base soils. The advantage is it will not cause any decrease in numismatic value, but there are better options for cleaning materials.
  • Question
    What are ultrasonic cleaners when it comes to cleaning copper coins? Do I need to add liquid to it?
    Denny Hipsher
    Community Answer
    Ultrasonic cleaners work by microcavitation. Or in layman's terms, by generating microscopic bubbles between a hard surface and a softer material, and allowing them to catastrophically collapse. This process only works in fluid. So at the very least you need distilled water as a working medium. As for what is best to add and enhance the cleaning action, I'm not sure. Caution: blood plasma counts as a fluid. So if you leave your hand in the ultrasonic cleaner long enough, it will "clean" the flesh from your bones. This is usually only a concern for industrial levels of exposure.
  • Question
    Is muriatic acid okay to clean copper?
    Community Answer
    HCI works, but you get an orange look to the copper and still need to use your elbow grease to clean it.
  • Question
    Can I use copper cleaner on the coils?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    How do I get orange tinge out of copper coins?
    Community Answer
    You can clean them by putting them in vinegar for a minute and then taking them out.
  • Question
    How do I clean silver coins?
    Community Answer
    Dip them in ammonia, flip them over after five seconds, rinse well with water, and pat dry with a soft cloth.
  • Question
    Will this solution decrease value of copper?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The salt acts as an abrasive and will instantly decrease the value of the coin.
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