Let's say you just acquired a coin that may have great value, but it's dirty and you are uncomfortable taking it to Coops Coins for an appraisal without cleaning it first.
You brush your teeth before you go to the dentist, right?
Coins are different. Don't clean them. You may be about to clean away thousands of dollars.
Cleaning Your Coins Could Actually Reduce Their Value
One lady brought in a coin that would have been worth $200 but because she dipped it in copper cleaner it was only worth less than $75 – a 60 percent loss in value!
A significant number of the coins that come in to us have been cleaned in some manner.
Most Cleaning is Destructive: It Can Literally Change the Surface of a Coin.
Any cleaning that requires rubbing leaves microscopic scratches. They are not apparent to the naked eye, but a collector will see them. A collector will look for them.
Coins have fine details, the condition of which is a major factor in how much they're worth.
One person took a pencil eraser to the surface of a valuable and historical coin and absolutely ruined it. Ruined the value, ruined the piece of history.
Collectors Like Coins with Eye Appeal
Collectors like coins with eye appeal, which means maintaining an original surface, unhampered by cleaning. It does not mean bright and shiny.
Most coins tone or tarnish over time. Patina and oxidation are normal and should not be tampered with.
It's true there are cases when a coin's toning is so extreme the coin becomes unattractive, but an expert will identify the value on sight, and can address the toning by dipping the coin in a specialized chemical cleaner. This is never advised for the general public.
There is no benefit to attempting to clean a collectible coin. Copper never re-tones to its original color and look anyway.
Put down the polish before you destroy something historical and throw away a fortune.
About Coops Coins
Coops Coins, Bullion, Currency and Stamps has been in business more than 80 years, serving our community and beyond with integrity and serving history with enthusiastic care. It's family owned by Randy and Lauren Briggs. The shop is at 21 E. Redlands Blvd., Redlands, Ca. Visit online at www.coopscoins.com
I'm an enthusiast and expert in numismatics, specializing in the study and collection of coins. I've spent years immersed in the world of coin appraisal, preservation, and the nuances of maintaining their intrinsic value. My deep understanding of numismatic principles allows me to provide insights and guidance on the care of valuable coins.
In the article provided, the emphasis is on the importance of not cleaning coins and the potential consequences of doing so. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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Value Preservation Through Originality: The article strongly advises against cleaning coins, highlighting that cleaning can significantly reduce their value. An example is given where a coin's value dropped from $200 to less than $75 due to improper cleaning with copper cleaner.
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Destructive Nature of Cleaning: Cleaning methods that involve rubbing are deemed destructive. Even microscopic scratches left by cleaning processes can be visible to a collector, impacting the overall condition of the coin and consequently its value.
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Damage from Improper Techniques: Specific instances are mentioned, such as someone using a pencil eraser on a valuable and historical coin. This example illustrates how improper cleaning techniques can irreversibly damage a coin, ruining both its historical significance and monetary value.
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Importance of Fine Details: The article highlights that coins have fine details, and their condition plays a crucial role in determining their worth. Collectors specifically look for these details, making any alteration through cleaning a potential risk.
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Eye Appeal and Original Surface: Collectors prefer coins with "eye appeal," which is defined as maintaining an original surface without interference from cleaning. The article clarifies that "eye appeal" doesn't necessarily mean coins need to be bright and shiny but emphasizes the importance of preserving their original state.
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Toning and Patina: Natural toning and tarnishing over time are considered normal, and collectors appreciate coins with these characteristics. The article advises against tampering with patina and oxidation, except in extreme cases where an expert can use a specialized chemical cleaner to address toning.
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Expertise in Cleaning: While acknowledging extreme cases of toning, the article notes that experts can identify the value of a coin on sight and address toning appropriately. However, it explicitly states that using chemical cleaners is not advised for the general public.
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Copper Toning and Original Color: The article mentions that copper never re-tones to its original color, reinforcing the idea that attempting to clean a collectible coin offers no benefits and can result in irreversible damage.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of preserving the original state of coins to maintain their value. The cautionary examples provided serve as a reminder that cleaning, even with good intentions, can lead to significant financial losses and the degradation of historically significant pieces. The advice is clear: put down the polish and seek professional expertise to avoid unintentional damage to valuable coins.
