Many novice coin collectors, and even a few somewhat experienced ones, often ask the question, “Can I clean up my coins to make them worth more?” The short answer to this question is that cleaning coins the wrong way will reduce their value significantly. In order to understand why cleaning a coin reduces its value, you must first understand some of the factors which effect a coin’s value.
Most people realize that a coin in “newer” condition is worth more than an old, dirty one. Basically, the less the coin was used, the more value it will have to a collector. Unfortunately, the characteristic that most people see first on a new coin is it’s shine, or “luster”. Knowing that new coins are shiny, many people draw the incorrect conclusion that shiny coins will look new.
Actually, luster isn’t even a consideration when determining the value of most coins. Once a coin has circulated and begun to wear, its luster is lost and can never be brought back. Ignoring mutilations, holes, bends, scratches, etc., the most important part of a coin’s condition is wear. The more worn the coin is, the lower its value will be. The more of the original detail that is still present, the higher the coin’s value will be. Luster only becomes a consideration when a coin has almost no visible signs of wear.
So, you see, shining up a coin is doubly bad for its value. First of all, polishing shines a coin by removing metal from the surface. (remember, the more metal, the more value) You can’t polish details back onto a coin. Second, a worn coin should not be shiny, and one that is shiny looks wrong.
If you have a coin that is just plain dirty, you can soak it in water or rubbing alcohol for a while, then rinse it off, and gently pat it dry with a soft cloth. NEVER rub, scrub or wipe the surface of a coin. If you do, any particles of dirt that are on the coin or the cloth will scratch the coin’s surface. Scratches and other mutilations severely detract from the value of a coin. Also, never use any type of household soap or cleaner on a coin. These substances can chemically alter (tarnish, corrode) the surface of the coin.
I hope this little rant helps you understand some of the complex world of coin valuing. The simple rule of coin cleaning is: Don’t Do It! If you are looking to sell your coins, a coin dealer will see them for what they really are. Even if they don’t look so good to you now, they will look even worse to a dealer or another collector if they have been improperly cleaned.
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