White spots on pennies

[Jimzilla]

Hi everyone I notice that some of my wheats and indians turn whitish after I clean them. They look great when they are wet. How do I stop them from turning white>?

[Marldain]

Thats happens to my zincolns, but that is the copper flaking off. I am not sure about yours though.

[Finnerman]

Sounds like residue form whatever you are cleaning them with?

[Mtnmn]

I believe the white corrosive spots are formed from any leftover acid or salt solution remaining on the pennies during the drying process. After having cleaned your pennies, to eliminate any acid or salt solution remaining on them, first rinse them off very well in a colander with plain water, then soak them in a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize any acid remaining on the pennies before giving them a final rinse in water once again. Afterwards put them on a cookie sheet and stick them in a hot oven for just a minute to dry them off and be able to tell instantly if any white spots have formed. I doubt very much if this method will work on pennies already having the white spots, you would probably have to clean them again before using this method.

[CTCurt]

Originally Posted by Jimzilla

Hi everyone I notice that some of my wheats and indians turn whitish after I clean them. They look great when they are wet. How do I stop them from turning white>?

I've heard some people put wax on them. Never tried it myself........Curt

[RyanChappell]

I don't like cleaning them with acid, because you may not get it all off, and the residue might pit them after time.

When I do clean them with acid, now I will rinse them with baking soda and water solution and let them soak for 1-20 minutes, to neutralize any acid left in microscopic holes. I prefer to rub them with a baking soda and water paste instead of cleaning with acid.

[borborygmus]

recently got a zincoln with white residue from a cashier. they really are quite nasty.