Don't Clean The Coins!

[hasrob]

O.k so I'm new and all but I read alot when I'm getting into something

Read more then once "don't clean your coins" so my question is, what exactly do you guys/gals do when you pull a coin out of the ground covered in dirt? I know your not supposed to rub the dirt off etc, just curious what you all do if you know you have something nice. Do you send them covered or dirty with dirt to get graded, soak them in water for awhile or how does that work?

Thanks for the info!

[dan]

I wash mine with soap and water.

If they are common dates I rub them between my thumbs and index fingers to get the dirt off; if they are worth something I brush them with a soft brush as I run water over them.

[hasrob]

O.k thanks, makes sense

[ICE]

washing coins and cleaning coins are two different animals. Cleaning coins is dipping in something to bring back the shine or rubbing to get the shine back. If the coin is not a key date don't sweat it. Running water over a coin to get the dirt off is not cleaning it is removing soil just don't rub and a water pic does a great job look around at yard sales for one.

[Vethraxx]

I toss them into a rock tumbler

[EncrustedYen]

I use a brass brush on most finds. When people jump up and down saying dont clean old coins they are typically referring to old coins you find in a jar , at a yard sale, gift from grandparents etc...they are not referring to the heavy environmentally damaged ones that we dig up.

There are exceptions of course. Generally speaking ,coin cleaning is a part of the hobby for most of us.

[RickO]

The cleaning taboo really only applies to key dates or rarities (such as a 1942 D mint Mercury dime). Other coins, such as Barbers, Morgans etc, have resale value, and if cleaned, will lose that value other than the precious metal content. If you are keeping your coins for your own enjoyment... do as you please. The caution really applies only if you wish to sell the coins. RickO