Old silver and gold coins might tarnish with age. Tarnishing can produce discoloration, staining, the formation of rust, and more. It should be said that tarnishing will not affect the metallic content of your silver and gold coins, but the physical imperfections can lead to a decrease in the resale value of your possessions.
While people usually advise against cleaning your coins, there are ways you can properly restore your tarnished coins. Now, before we begin exploring the ways to restore your coins, it should be said that you should not attempt to restore any coins with numismatic value. It is imperative that you do not try to restore any of these historical coins. Instead, solely rely on restoring coins that have been passed through circulation—coins often minted sometime over the last century.
With a specific list of supplies, you can properly take steps to begin restoring your tarnished silver and gold coins. It should be said that this process will not restore your coin to its original value, but it will brighten them beyond their current condition.
The Baking Soda Method
One of the common methods used by collectors to clean the small discoloration and rust from their silver and gold coins is with baking soda. This non-corrosive product will help to remove any larger areas of tarnish from your coins, making them look a little cleaner than they did prior to excessive circulation.
The Supplies You’ll Need (Besides Your Coins)
- A container: Either a plastic container or a metal/glass cooking pan can be used. Don’t use anything you’d rather not become dirtied by the removed tarnishing.
- Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is key to the process, as this will work in reaction with the baking soda and warm water to produce the necessary interaction to remove the tarnish from the silver and gold coins.
- Baking soda: You’ll want to provide the best reaction possible, so do not use old baking soda that has been open for some time. Instead, purchase a new container of baking soda for the freshest ingredients possible.
- Hot water: Warmer water makes for a better reaction between the baking soda and aluminum foil; however, you don’t want to use boiling water. Like you would while brewing tea or coffee, heat the boiling water until it reaches the desired temperature, but then allow the water to sit for a few minutes minute prior to using it in the process.
- A small soft-bristled brush: You’ll want to be careful about using a brush, as you can end up scratching the outside of the coin, but this might be useful if the tarnish on your coins is especially thick or will not rub away from scrubbing with your hands.
- Latex gloves: Less abrasive than a brush, latex gloves are a great asset to properly scrub the tarnish off of your coins. Furthermore, these provide a safe barrier between you and the concentrate you’re using to clean your coins, all the while ensuring that none of the oils or possible contaminants of your hand will interact with the coin.
- A separate container of clean water: After cleaning your coins in the solution, you’ll want a container of clean water to rinse your coins in, precisely to make sure you remove any leftover solution.
- Paper towels: These are used to dry the outside of your coins to reduce the likelihood of further oxidation.
The Baking Soda Method
- Line the container with aluminum foil.
- Add the baking soda to the bottom layer of aluminum foil.
- Insert your tarnished silver and gold coins.
- Cover the coins in a small layer of sprinkled baking soda and then pour the hot water over everything, allowing it to soak and mix for five or more minutes.
- With the latex gloves on, begin massaging the coins to scrub away the tarnish—if some of the grime is not removed, consider using the soft-bristled brush as lightly as possible.
- Remove the coins and rinse them in the separate container of clean water.
- Pat the coins dry with the paper towels you have set aside.
In this way, you can go about properly restoring your tarnished coins, all without worrying about causing unsightly damage to their exterior. If you have any questions about the process or are interested in other ways of restoring your coins, feel free to contact one of our many knowledgeable representatives.
