How Do You Clean Pennies

Cleaning pennies is a common task for both casual coin enthusiasts and serious collectors. Whether you’ve found a stash of old, tarnished pennies in your attic or want to give your coin collection a fresh look, knowing the right methods to clean pennies is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various techniques for cleaning pennies, provide tips for preserving their value, and discuss the best practices to ensure you don’t damage your coins in the process.

Why Clean Pennies?

Before diving into the cleaning methods, it’s important to understand why you might want to clean pennies and what benefits it might bring:

1. Improve Aesthetics

Pennies, especially older ones, can accumulate grime, dirt, and tarnish over time. Cleaning them can restore their original shine and make them more visually appealing.

2. Preserve Value

For collectors, the condition of a coin can significantly impact its value. While cleaning can sometimes increase the value by improving appearance, it’s crucial to use the right techniques to avoid devaluing the coin.

3. Prevent Damage

Cleaning pennies properly can prevent further deterioration. Removing dirt and grime helps prevent corrosion and other forms of damage.

Important Considerations Before Cleaning Pennies

1. Value vs. Appearance

If you’re dealing with collectible or antique pennies, cleaning them might reduce their value. Coins in mint or near-mint condition are often more valuable in their original, uncleaned state. Always research the specific value of your coins before deciding to clean them.

2. Type of Pennies

Different types of pennies, such as copper, bronze, or modern zinc pennies, may require different cleaning methods. Knowing what type of penny you’re dealing with will help you choose the most appropriate cleaning technique.

3. Cleaning Materials

Using inappropriate cleaning materials or methods can damage your pennies. Always use gentle, non-abrasive materials and solutions designed specifically for coins.

Methods for Cleaning Pennies

1. Soap and Water

For basic cleaning, soap and water are often effective. This method is suitable for pennies with light dirt and grime.

Materials Needed:

• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Soft-bristled brush or cloth
• Bowl or container

Steps:

1. Prepare Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl or container.
2. Soak Pennies: Place the pennies in the solution and let them soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. Gently Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently scrub the pennies. Avoid using abrasive brushes or scrubbers.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the pennies under clean, warm water and pat them dry with a soft cloth.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar

For more stubborn tarnishes and dirt, a baking soda and vinegar solution can be effective. This method is suitable for pennies with more significant discoloration.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Small bowl
• Soft cloth

Steps:

1. Prepare Solution: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of white vinegar to form a paste.
2. Apply Paste: Apply the paste to the penny using your fingers or a soft cloth.
3. Gently Rub: Gently rub the paste into the penny using a soft cloth. Be cautious not to scratch the surface.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the penny under clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

3. Lemon Juice and Salt

Lemon juice and salt create a mildly acidic solution that can help remove tarnish and grime from pennies.

Materials Needed:

• Lemon juice
• Table salt
• Small bowl
• Soft cloth

Steps:

1. Prepare Solution: Combine lemon juice and a small amount of table salt in a bowl.
2. Soak Pennies: Place the pennies in the solution and let them soak for a few minutes.
3. Gently Rub: Use a soft cloth to gently rub the pennies.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the pennies thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.

4. Commercial Coin Cleaners

For those who prefer a more specialized approach, commercial coin-cleaning solutions are available. These products are designed specifically for cleaning coins and can be effective for stubborn stains.

Materials Needed:

• Commercial coin cleaner (such as a coin cleaning solution or dip)
• Soft cloth
• Container for soaking

Steps:

1. Follow Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions provided with the commercial cleaner. Each product may have specific guidelines for use.
2. Soak and Rinse: Soak the pennies in the cleaner according to the instructions. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
3. Dry: Pat the pennies dry with a soft cloth.

Tips for Cleaning Pennies

1. Test Cleaning Solutions

Before applying any cleaning solution to your pennies, test it on a less valuable coin to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.

2. Avoid Abrasive Materials

Never use abrasive materials, such as steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads, as these can scratch and damage the surface of the pennies.

3. Handle with Care

Always handle pennies with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your fingers.

4. Regular Maintenance

Regularly clean and maintain your pennies to prevent excessive buildup of dirt and tarnish. This helps in preserving their condition and value.

5. Storage

Store cleaned pennies in a dry, cool place. Use protective coin holders or holders designed for long-term storage to prevent future tarnishing and damage.

The Pros and Cons of Cleaning Pennies

Pros

1. Enhanced Appearance: Cleaning can improve the visual appeal of pennies.
2. Prevention of Further Damage: Removing dirt and grime helps prevent corrosion and damage.
3. Increased Collectibility: In some cases, cleaning can make pennies more attractive to potential buyers.

Cons

1. Potential Decrease in Value: Cleaning can sometimes reduce the value of collectible or antique pennies.
2. Risk of Damage: Improper cleaning techniques or materials can scratch or damage the pennies.
3. Loss of Patina: For antique or collectible pennies, cleaning can remove valuable patina, which might decrease their historical value.

Cleaning pennies can be a satisfying task, whether you’re preparing a coin collection for display or simply restoring the appearance of old coins. By using the appropriate cleaning methods and materials, you can enhance the look of your pennies while preserving their value. Always consider the type of penny you’re dealing with and the potential impact of cleaning on its value.

With the techniques and tips provided in this guide, you’re now equipped to clean your pennies effectively and safely. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, proper cleaning and maintenance will help you enjoy your pennies and keep them in top condition for years to come.