Learn Using Acetone to Clean Coins: Step-By-Step

So, you’re curious if you can use acetone to clean coins? It’s a common question among folks interested in collecting. While it might seem like a quick fix, there’s more to consider. Let’s get right to it.

Risks and Limited Role of Acetone

Most people who collect coins will tell you this: never clean valuable coins. It’s a rule that’s really important. Trust me, it’s something many have learned the hard way.

Why Coin Cleaning is Generally Discouraged?

Think about an old coin for a second. That little bit of darkness or color? Sometimes that tells its story. It shows how old it is. If you clean a coin, you often take that away. And sadly, that usually means you also take away its worth. Devaluation is the norm when coins are cleaned the wrong way. Even if you are super careful, you could scratch it. You might change the surface in a way that serious collectors just don’t like. This kind of damage beyond repair can happen. And remember, the irreversible nature of cleaning means you can’t undo it.

Acetone: A Solvent, Not a Miracle Cleaner

Now, what about acetone? It’s a type of solvent. Think of it like a very strong cleaner for certain things. It works by breaking down some kinds of dirt. The cool thing is, acetone usually doesn’t hurt the metal in most coins.

Silver, copper, and gold are generally okay with it. But don’t think it’s a magic trick. It won’t make an old, worn coin look brand new. It won’t get rid of that dark color called tarnish. It also won’t remove the natural toning that happens as coins age.

Okay, so when would you even think about using acetone for cleaning coins? There are very few times. It’s almost always for coins that aren’t worth much money. Like cleaning copper coins with acetone or cleaning silver coins with acetone. The main reason to use acetone is to get rid of certain sticky things on the surface.

These things could actually damage the coin if you leave them there. This includes greasy stuff from your fingers, sticky bits from old tape or glue, or that green goo called PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) damage. PVC damage is bad because it can eat into the coin over time.

So, getting it off is important. But keep in mind, we’re talking about your everyday pennies and nickels here. If a coin might be valuable, just leave it alone. If you’re not sure, ask someone who knows coins.

Alright, so you’ve read the warnings, and you’re still thinking about using acetone to clean coins? Okay, but please, promise me you’ll be super careful and only try this on coins that really don’t matter much.

How to Use Acetone for Cleaning Coins?

Let me say it again: this is risky. Only do this on coins that aren’t valuable. Practice on some really cheap ones first to get the hang of it.

Essential Supplies

You’ll need a few things. First, get some pure acetone. You can usually find this at a hardware store. Some people use nail polish remover, but be careful! Make sure it says “100% pure acetone” and has no other stuff in it. You’ll also need a small dish made of glass or ceramic. Don’t use plastic – acetone can melt it. It’s also good to have some distilled water handy, just in case you want to rinse the coin after. And grab a really soft, clean cloth or some paper towels. Wear gloves to keep the acetone off your skin. And make sure you’re in a room with good air flow. Acetone fumes can be strong.

Step-By-Step Guide: Using Acetone To Clean Coins

First, find a spot with lots of fresh air. Put on your gloves. Make sure there are no open flames nearby because acetone can catch fire easily. Now, gently put the coin into your glass or ceramic dish.

Pour enough pure acetone over the coin so it’s completely covered. Let it sit there for a while. This could be a few hours, or even overnight if the gunk is really stuck on. Keep an eye on the acetone. If it gets really dirty, pour it out and use fresh acetone.

When you think it’s ready, carefully take the coin out. You can use your gloved fingers or some tweezers that aren’t made of metal. Let the acetone dry off the coin by itself. Don’t rub it!

If you want, you can quickly rinse the coin in distilled water. Then, gently pat it dry with your soft cloth. Remember, just pat, don’t rub.

What to Expect (and What Not To)

If you did it right, the acetone might have removed some greasy dirt or sticky stuff. It might have even helped with that green PVC damage. But don’t expect miracles. The coin won’t suddenly look brand new.

Acetone will NOT remove tarnish. It won’t get rid of that natural toning that comes with age. And it definitely won’t fix any scratches or other damage that’s already there.

Specific Considerations for Different Coin Metals

Most people agree that acetone is generally okay for silver coins when you’re just trying to remove organic gunk. Copper coins are a bit trickier. Some collectors have had bad experiences with acetone on copper.

It might cause weird color changes. So, be extra careful with copper. Maybe even avoid acetone altogether for copper coins unless you’re really sure what you’re doing. Gold coins are usually fine with acetone, but honestly, gold doesn’t get dirty very easily anyway.

Okay, so you’ve learned about using acetone to clean coins. But before you go dipping all your pennies, let’s talk about some other things. There are often better and safer ways to handle your coins.

Sometimes, the best way to clean a coin is actually to not clean it at all! For just a little bit of dust or loose dirt, you can try something super simple. Just rinse the coin gently with distilled water. Then, let it air dry on a clean surface. You can also try very gently patting it with a super soft, dry cloth. That’s often all you need.

Seek Professional Conservation?

Now, if you have coins that are actually valuable, rare, or really old, you should probably just leave them alone. Or, better yet, talk to someone who really knows their stuff. There are professionals called numismatic conservators.

They know how to handle delicate coins safely. If you’re not sure if a coin is valuable, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and maybe get it looked at by an expert. Organizations like PCGS and NGC have conservation services. They can do amazing things without harming the coin’s value.

What Coin Experts Say About Cleaning?

Most people who are serious about collecting coins feel pretty strongly about cleaning. The general rule is that collectors prefer coins in their original condition.

Even if a coin has a natural color change over time, called toning, many collectors actually like that. It shows the coin’s age and history. So, think twice before you decide to clean.

Some important questions

You know, people often ask me things like, “Is it okay to use vinegar to clean coins?” and “How do professionals clean coins?”

Well, about vinegar… I’d say steer clear! Vinegar is acidic and can really damage the metal of your coins. It might make them look shiny for a little while, but it can cause long-term problems and definitely hurt their value.

As for professionals, they use special tools and techniques that are very different from just dipping a coin in acetone. They might use gentle chemical treatments under very controlled conditions, or even mechanical methods. It’s a whole different ballgame, and it’s best left to the experts.

Last words

So, there you have it. Using acetone to clean coins is something you can do, but it should really be a last resort. It’s mostly for removing specific types of gunk from low-value coins. There are definitely risks involved, and you could end up doing more harm than good. Most of the time, it’s better to leave your coins as they are. If you’re not sure, the safest bet is always to do nothing or to get advice from a professional. Remember, when it comes to coins, sometimes a little bit of dirt is part of the charm and history!