How to Clean Pennies and Other Older or Collectible Coins (2024)

Updated on May 31, 2023

How to Clean Coins With Vinegar or Lemon Juice

This is the best coin-cleaning method you can do at home to clean non-collectible or valuable coins. The steps below will clean a standard oxidized penny with ease.

1. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   

   Combine 1 cup white vinegar (or lemon juice) with 1 tablespoon salt in a jar. Stir until the salt is dissolved.

2. Fill a Plastic Bin

   

   Pour the solution into the plastic container. There should be enough liquid that pennies lying flat on the bottom of the container will be fully submerged (if not, add more of the cleaning mixture).

3. Soak Coins

   

   Add the coins to the plastic bin in a single layer so no coins are touching. Wait 15 minutes.

4. Remove and Wipe Coins

   

   Remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel; they should look shiny. If the layer of brown oxidation doesn't budge, return the coins to the container and let them soak for five more minutes.

5. Scrub Coins With Baking Soda (Optional)

   

   For a more hands-on approach to coin cleaning, try this method:

   • Add a small amount of water to a tablespoon of baking soda to form a paste.
   • Apply the paste to each coin using an old toothbrush and scrub gently.
   • Rinse the coins to reveal the now-shiny surfaces.

6. Clean Coins With Dish Soap (Optional)

   

   If your coins are still dirty, follow these steps:

   • Fill the plastic container with a 1-inch layer of warm water.
   • Next, add a squirt of dishwashing liquid and agitate the water to create bubbles.
   • Add the coins, and rub each one until the surface looks shiny.
   • Rinse with warm water, then dry.

How to Keep Your Coins Clean Longer

Use these tips from the United States Mint to help coins stay clean longer:

• Handle carefully. Always hold coins between your thumb and index finger when handling them.
• Cover your hands. For collectible coins or after cleaning your coins, wear gloves to avoid smudging the coin's surface or marking them with fingerprints. Your skin's natural oil can also be corrosive to coins.
• Keep coins dry. Moisture can discolor coins, and saliva can create spots on coins that are difficult to clean.
• Store properly. Use acid-free and PVC-free holders to store your collectible coins. Both acid and PVC can damage a coin, and PVC can create a sticky, slimy green coating on a coin's surface.