Gold Coins Cleaning
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Coins cleaning is rarely a good idea is that cleaning is apt to alter a coin's surface or toning in an undesirable manner unless great care is taken and the proper cleaning method is selected.
It is a good idea to consult a coin expert to assist you in deciding whether cleaning a particular coin is a good idea. When in doubt do not clean a coin.
If you decide to clean your coins, here are some pointers to keep in mind to avoid or minimize the chances of damaging them.
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Avoid Abrasives & Rubbing
One of the worst things you can do to most coins including gold ones is to use an abrasive.
Even an apparently soft cloth can leave tiny scratches on the surface of coins. Because gold is quite soft it is easily scratched. If you need to dry a coin after cleaning, make sure you dab it dry. If you have a steam cleaner or some other air blower such as a hair dryer, this may help, but it is still possible to leave patchy drying marks on the surface of a coin.
The Best Way to Clean Gold Coins
Put them in a pan of water, give them a squirt of "Fairy Liquid", and leave them boiling for as long as it takes. Don't allow the pan to boil dry because you may find all the coins have turned black because of burnt-on soap residue on them. Dry them gently.
If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, you can use it. It works by gently vibrating the coins in soapy water, often a proprietary cleaning solution. Because the action is gentle, it should not harm your coins. It is very similar to boiling in soapy water but the sound waves provide the agitation to loosen any dirt instead of the boiling action.
Stains Removing
Solvents such as acetone or nail polish remover will work well for removing many stains. This will also remove adhesive tape residues, it is surprising how many people use Sellotape to stick coins to a piece of paper or card either for storage or to send through the post. Obviously it is best to avoid sticking anything to your coins, as it will often leave a mark which may disfigure the coin.
Red Spots and Rust Stains
Sometimes gold coins have rust stains on them.
The rust stain can be dissolved using almost any acid, even quite weak such as lemon juice, vinegar and the carbonic acid present in fizzy drinks. Obviously these may leave the surface of the coin sticky, but this can be rinsed off. If the rust stains are persistent, you could try using a stronger or more concentrated acid.
Dirt and grime
Dirt and grime can often be safely removed by applying a layer of Vaseline to both surfaces of the coin and then gently rubbing these surfaces clean with a very soft lint free cloth.
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