How do you clean copper pennies without damaging them?

What liquid makes pennies shiny?

vinegar
The vinegar made its penny shiny. Pennies become dull over time as copper on the surface reacts with oxygen from the air. The two elements combine to form dark chemicals called copper oxides. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves these chemicals and leaves the copper surface of the penny looking shiny.

What cleans a penny better water or vinegar?

Ultimately, lemon juice will clean pennies better than vinegar, though both liquids are viable cleaning options for copper. Vinegar has a pH level of 3.0, while lemon juice has a pH level of 2.3. This means that lemon juice is a slightly stronger acid than vinegar.

How can I make my pennies shiny?

Copper oxide dissolves in acid though! Vinegar is a very weak acid on its own, but mixing vinegar and salt creates a slightly stronger acid that will eat away all the copper oxide, and leave you with a nice, shiny penny!

Does hydrogen peroxide clean pennies?

Hydrogen peroxide can prove effective in removing various materials, including organic material. To clean using this method, place your coins in a small plastic container, fill with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover, and soak for 24 hours.

What liquid corrodes a penny faster?

Vinegar. Acid speeds up the oxidation process taking place on copper. If you submerge a penny in even a relatively mild household acid, such as vinegar, it will start to tarnish. Some people recommend the use of vinegar combined with other ingredients, such as salt, to clean pennies.

What can clean pennies?

For many pennies, one tablespoon (15 g) of salt in 1/2 cup (4 oz) of vinegar will get the job done. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt. If you don’t have vinegar, use lemon or even orange juice. Copper oxide (the gunk on your pennies) dissolves in weak acid, and that’s just what all three of these liquids are.

Can Coke clean coins?

Yes, that refreshing can of Coke that you like to drink by the pool can also clean coins. Coke’s phosphoric acid can clean the oxides that cause tarnish and corrosion.

Does rubbing alcohol clean coins?

Soaking Coins. Create a coin bath made of isopropyl alcohol and salt. These chemicals are abrasive and acidic and will clean your coin of any built up dirt. … Isopropyl alcohol is a universal solvent and will dissolve things that regular water cannot, like non-polar compounds.

How much is a 1943 steel penny worth?

Value of a 1943 Steel Penny

They are worth about 10 to 13 cents each in circulated condition, and as much as 50 cents or more if uncirculated.

What’s the best way to clean old coins?

Take the coins out and sprinkle some baking soda over them; then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush them clean. Rinse them out thoroughly with hot water; using tongs or gloves to hold them to avoid burning your fingers. Place them on a soft, cotton towel and leave to air dry.

How do professionals clean coins?

These coins are cleaned by using distilled water with a small amount of detergent in a special vibrating container. Acid based cleaners will eat away at a coin’s surface diminishing its value.

Can you use toothpaste to clean coins?

Don’t use toothpaste – Toothpaste is extremely abrasive. It can make your coins appear shiny, but cause significant damage to the surface. … But like other things on this list, it can eat away at the coin’s patina and wreck its value.

Will rubbing alcohol damage copper?

1 Answer. There is no problem with using isopropyl alcohol to clean off copper or aluminum. I have done it for years, the worst that could happen is a very thin oxidation layer could form, which will form anyway on any totally raw surface.

How do you tell if a copper coin has been cleaned?

Should coin collectors clean coins?

Most coins tone or tarnish over time. Patina and oxidation are normal and should not be tampered with. … There is no benefit to attempting to clean a collectible coin.

Is it illegal to clean coins?

According to Title 18, Chapter 17 of the U.S. Code, which sets out crimes related to coins and currency, anyone who “alters, defaces, mutilates, impairs, diminishes, falsifies, scales, or lightens” coins can face fines or prison time.