Cleaning copper with citric acid concentration. Is lemon juice good for cleaning coins?

One of the most exciting topics for novice treasure hunters is cleaning coins. Typically, silver and gold coins found do not require cleaning. Therefore, in the following we will talk about cleaning only copper coins and copper products.

It’s worth clarifying right away that I am categorically against cleaning coins on my own. The maximum that a treasure hunter can afford is to preserve copper coins.

However, if you have a lot of free time and want to experiment, then I’ll tell you about some ways to clean copper coins

My method for cleaning copper coins

First, I will tell you about my method of cleaning found coins. Firstly, immediately after being removed from the ground, we put the found copper coins in separate bags, plastic jars with cotton wool or in a container with olive oil. This is done in order to avoid accidental contact between coins and their damage. It is very easy to damage the patina (a noble patina valued by collectors) of a found copper coin. By the way, copper coins can be left in olive oil for years and decades.

Upon arrival home, we examine the found coins. Coins that are not of interest are stored in various containers without cleaning and left until better times. If, due to dirt, it is impossible to see the year of issue of the coin or some other important element on a copper coin, then take a toothpick and mechanically clean this part of the coin. Let's move on to the next stage.

If among the coins found there are rare coins that have value, or there are other reasons why the coin is interesting to you and you are willing to spend your time on it, then you can start conserving copper coins.

I preserve copper coins in the following way. Firstly, I first rinse under running water. Then I put the copper coins in an enamel container, fill it with distilled water and boil for several minutes.

By the way, to clean copper coins you need to get wooden or plastic tweezers and sterile disposable gloves.

After this, you need to dry the coins. To do this, I place them on a white paper towel and then dip them in 96% ethyl alcohol. Alcohol is necessary to absorb residual water that is not visible to the naked eye.

Next, we coat the cleaned copper coins with wax, petroleum jelly or other materials that prevent oxygen from reaching the surface of the coin. Thus, we protect the coin from various chemical processes that destroy copper.

We put cleaned and preserved coins in boxes, albums or other places where they will not be exposed to sunlight, temperature changes and other physical factors.

Once a year we check the condition of our coins. If the preservation is not carried out carefully (for example, the coin was not dried after washing), then oxides of various colors may appear on the copper coin. Then it is necessary to repeat the conservation of coins.

Other ways to clean copper coins

Let me warn you again that all cleaning methods at home are dangerous for coins. If the coin is rare and of interest to collectors, then sell it without cleaning. If you are going to keep a valuable coin in your personal collection, then do not skimp and contact professional restorers. This will only increase the value of the coin. It will be a shame when, after cleaning it yourself, you discover that the coin is no longer interesting to collectors. In most cases, cleaning a copper coin that has been removed from the ground will damage the patina that has built up over decades and expose numerous imperfections on the surface of the coin.

When I started searching with a metal detector, dozens of copper coins appeared at my disposal, which (as it seemed to me) needed cleaning. So I tried various ways cleaning copper coins. Most of the experiments turned out to be failures because I lacked endurance. I wanted to get results almost immediately; I didn’t want to wait for weeks.

Therefore, the very first method of cleaning copper coins that I tried was cleaning copper coins in citric acid.

This is the most quick way cleaning copper coins. The entire cleansing process takes place right before your eyes. For this method we need a ceramic or plastic container, water and citric acid. Pour citric acid into a non-metallic container and dilute it with water. We select the concentration ourselves. Stir until the citric acid crystals are completely dissolved. Place a coin in the container. We watch it and turn it over. The surface of copper coins in citric acid is very quickly cleaned to pure metal. All the smallest cracks and cavities become visible on the coin. The coin acquires the characteristic red color of copper. This method of cleaning copper coins will help get rid of various oxides, but at the same time remove all patina. Therefore, after this it will be necessary to apply the patina artificially. For example, a very original method of patination of copper coins was proposed on one of the treasure hunting forums. One treasure hunter claimed that it is very easy to apply a beautiful, smooth patina to copper coins by placing the coins behind a kitchen vent for a while. The patina applied in this way looks quite natural, which cannot be said about other types of patination at home, for example, using sulfur ointment.

You can use this method of cleaning copper coins in exceptional cases.

The photo below shows a copper coin after cleaning in citric acid:

The most common method for cleaning copper coins among treasure hunters. Take a plastic container with a lid. Using a coarse grater, grate the soap into the container and fill it with boiling water. Stir the resulting mixture until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Place coins in a container for a long period of time.

What soap should I use? There are many opinions on this matter. Some people use laundry soap, but I recommend using baby soap that contains EDTA (Trilon B).

From time to time, coins must be removed from the soap solution and softened dirt and plaque must be cleaned off under running water with a specially prepared toothbrush with cut bristles. This procedure must be repeated until we achieve complete removal of all oxides and dirt.

If you are not too zealous, this method of cleaning copper coins is quite safe for coins. It will preserve the patina. But it is possible that it will not be as uniform as we would like. The main thing in this method is exposure; the contamination on some coins can be so strong that the coins will have to be kept in a soapy solution for weeks.

The photo below shows a copper coin before and after cleaning with soap. By the way, it was in a soap solution for more than 1 month.

Photo from wheeclamp.ru

Cleaning copper coins by boiling in oil

Some treasure hunters are experimenting with cleaning copper coins by boiling them in vegetable, olive and other oils. Vaseline oil is most often used for these purposes. This method is also called “boiling in Vaseline oil.” In this case, copper coins are boiled in boiling Vaseline oil, after which the dirt and deposits from the copper coins are cleaned with a brush.

An example of a coin that was boiled in oil:

Photo of Copperfield from the site www.staraya-moneta.ru

I have not tried this method, as it is associated with a considerable risk of injury. Therefore, let's move on to to the next method, which is not so dangerous to your health.

Cleaning copper coins in kefir

Some treasure hunters practice unusual ways to clean copper coins. To do this, they use acids contained in food products. For example, some people clean copper coins in kefir. They say that the oxides in kefir soften quite quickly and after just a few hours you can try to remove them with a toothbrush. This or that I haven't tried. If you have conducted such experiments, be sure to write about it in the comments, or better yet, post your photos taken before and after cleaning the coin.

By the way, in addition to kefir, you can also use olive oil to clean copper coins. But the processes occurring with this method are so slow that it can be called preservation of coins rather than cleaning them.

To clean coins by electrolysis, we need a glass of cold water, a stainless steel spoon, a pinch of salt, an AC/DC adapter (9, 12 or 18 volts), two alligator clips.

Let's get started! Bare the wires from the adapter (the adapter can be taken from an old phone or other gadget). Connect the clamps to the wires, which can be purchased at a radio parts store.

Attention! Working with electrical appliances can be dangerous!

Put some salt in a glass of water and stir. Connect the clamp with the negative wire to the coin, and the positive wire to the spoon. We immerse the spoon and coin in the solution so that they do not touch each other. We turn on the adapter in the el. net.

If everything is done correctly, then after a few minutes we should observe how the solution around the coin darkens. This oxides and dirt on the coin begin to dissolve.

After a few minutes, turn off the device and remove the coin for inspection. To stop the reaction, wipe the coin with baking soda and rinse it thoroughly under running water.

Remember that there may be different options for cleaning copper coins using electrolysis. The above is just one of them.

Examples of cleaning copper coins and various objects by electrolysis (pictured on the left - before cleaning, on the right - after cleaning):

Photo le111 from the site kladenets.ru

Photo by banderovec from the site kladenets.ru

So, we have looked at the main methods of cleaning copper coins that treasure hunters use.

Let's sum it up

Do not clean valuable coins yourself. Find a professional to do this job. Conduct experiments only on those coins that you don’t mind.
One of the safest ways to clean copper coins is mechanical cleaning. The process is long and very tedious, but the result is amazing.
After any cleaning, it is necessary to properly preserve the copper coin, which will allow it to be safely stored for many years.

Video about cleaning coins

At the end of the article there are several videos that show how not to clean copper coins:

In the old days, copper was often used to make coins, which today are considered rare and are of great value to collectors and numismatists. But this metal is characterized by its tendency to form patina and various oxides. Patina is a beautiful greenish coating on a copper product. It gives things a noble appearance and is valued by specialists. As a rule, it is not removed from the coin. But behind the oxides, dirt and grease, it is often impossible to even discern what kind of coin it is, its denomination, and year of issue.

Before deciding to clean your coins, you should clearly understand what materials they are made of. If you have to process several pieces, and there will be specimens made of copper and bronze, then they absolutely cannot be placed in the same solution together. If you plan to further sell coins on the antiques market, then it is better not to clean them at all, since a product without patina will be devalued.

Effective ways to clean coins

There are many ways to clean copper coins at home. But if there is no experience, and the product is valuable, then it is better to use the services of a specialist, since the structure of the metal can easily be damaged.

Mechanical cleaning of copper

Professionals clean coins using this method; they have many different devices in their arsenal, similar to dentist’s tools:

incisors;
needles of various sizes;
scrapers;
brushes of different hardness.

There is also something similar to a drill available.

Using hand and mechanical tools, the layer of dirt and oxides is carefully removed, millimeter by millimeter.

At the same time, the master tries not to damage the product itself and its noble patina.

Cleaning scheme:

Soak the products in distilled water for an hour. This process will remove dried-on dirt and desalt the coin;
impregnated with synthetic resin. This is necessary to strengthen the noble patina, and also so that subsequently there are no cavities or other damage;
proceed directly to mechanical cleaning using tools.

This process is quite painstaking and lengthy. Therefore, there is no need to rush and make great efforts. The main thing here is attentiveness and patience. Some especially valuable coins are cleaned by a specialist within two months.

Ammonia

This cleaning method is used when the coin is coated with strong green oxides. It is very efficient and fast. But, using ammonia, you can damage the patina and damage to the product will become visible.

What you will need:

ammonia solution 5–15%;
water;
glass beaker;
non-metallic tweezers;
a protective face mask for safety, since ammonia vapors have a pungent and unpleasant odor.

Scheme of work:

First, the coin is placed in a glass with ammonia using tweezers;
periodically you need to rotate the copper product;
When the cleaning process is completed, you cannot remove it from the solution, otherwise, treated with ammonia, it may deteriorate in the air. It is necessary to gradually add water to the container until the ammonia content becomes negligible. Only then take out the coin.

Boiling coins in soda solution

A simple and common method.

For it you will need:

soda – 3–5 tablespoons;
water – 0.5 l;
pot;
Toothbrush.

Stages of work:

prepare a solution: add soda to water;
place coins in the liquid. You should not process many products at the same time. They need to be covered with at least 2 cm of water;
put the pan on the fire and cook for 30 minutes;
take out the coins and clean with a toothbrush. In this case, there is no need to apply force so as not to damage the noble patina.

Cleaning copper coins in 3 minutes

Vinegar

Acetic acid perfectly removes oxides from coins. But at the same time it acts quite aggressively, it can damage the patina and open cavities and chips.

What you will need:

vinegar 7–20%;
a toothbrush with soft bristles;
water.

How to clean copper:

place coins in a container with vinegar for 15 minutes;
remove and brush with a toothbrush;
Rinse warm water.

This is a chemical composition that is specifically designed for cleaning copper at home.

It does not destroy metal, like some alkalis and acids, the process is fast, the material is inexpensive and can be bought at any jewelry store.

The solution is sold in a jar, where, using non-metallic tweezers, coins are immersed for 10–15 minutes, then taken out, washed with running water and dried.

If the oxide layer was thick, then the procedure can be repeated two or three times until the desired result is achieved.

Soap

A common method for cleaning copper products, including coins. It carefully removes dirt and oxides, leaving the noble patina intact. Its only drawback is the length of the process. In some cases, coins remain in solution for a month or more.

For it you will need:

soap - laundry or baby soap;
water;
glass container;
grater;
Toothbrush.

Sequencing:

soap is grated;
mixes with warm water;
Stir thoroughly until the soap is completely dissolved. The consistency should be like sour cream;
coins are placed in the solution. If there are a lot of them, then it is better to dip one at a time so that they do not stick together;
The container is set aside for some time, at least a day. From time to time you need to take out and inspect coins. When the degree of cleaning has reached the desired level, you need to remove all products and clean with a toothbrush;
rinse with water and dry.

Electrolysis

A fairly common method for which you will need:

glass or glass jar;
graphite element;
soda;
water;
two clamps;
adapter 9V or 12V (can be used Charger for phone).

Action plan:

electrolyte composition: add two tablespoons of soda to a liter of water, stir;
Connect the negative wire (cathode) to the coin using a clamp;
connect the positive wire (anode) to the graphite element;
lower the elements into the solution;
connect the adapter to the power supply;
Cleaning by electrolysis of copper lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.

Warning:

To ensure safety, you must use rubber gloves:
do not touch the elements when current is supplied;
Before removing a coin from the solution for testing, turn off the power.

Effective but dangerous methods

In attempts to clean copper products from plaque and oxides at home, people are experimenting. Often the chosen methods are effective, but can damage the patina - remove it completely. As a result, the product regains its original appearance, but at the same time loses its value for antique collectors. So, before using, you should weigh all the pros and cons.

Cleaning with citric acid

An affordable and fast way to clean copper.

What you will need:

plastic container;
lemon acid;
water;
non-metallic tweezers.

Procedure:

in a bowl you need to dilute citric acid with water;
to stir thoroughly;
using tweezers, immerse the coin in the solution for a few seconds;
remove and rinse with water.

Citric acid quickly corrodes all oxides, patina, and removes dirt. But you need to make sure that the coin is in the liquid for a short time, otherwise it may deteriorate irrevocably.

This paste contains small abrasive particles, thanks to which dirt and oxides are easily removed. Its use is justified when you need to add shine to inexpensive coins. Especially if the composition is bimetallic. For example, copper with nickel (20 kopecks, produced in 1978).

This paste will be more effective if used with a mechanical engraver with a felt tip. In this case, the revolutions should be low - 10–15 thousand per minute. The result is an absolutely clean coin, although it looks unnatural for an item with more than thirty years of history.

Unusual ways to clean copper coins

Some of the products we eat contain acid that can remove copper oxides. Also, many household products can be used to clean coins.

Cleaning with kefir

Kefir contains a small amount of acid, thanks to which it carefully cleans coins of dirt without damaging the patina.

But its use is appropriate only when the products are not too dirty, since kefir quickly deteriorates.

The essence of the method:

kefir is poured into a glass or plastic container;
coins are dropped into the container;
kept in kefir for at least an hour;
taken out, washed and dried.

Everything is quite simple, cheap and effective.

Oil

For this method you will need:

vegetable or olive;
pot;
non-metallic tweezers.

How to clean:

pour oil into the pan - about 2-3 cm;
put on fire;
bring the oil to a boil;
put coins in it;
stand for a few minutes - 10-15.

Warning: when heated, the oil “shoots”, so you need to put in the coins only dry and carefully so that the splashes do not get on your skin.

This cleaning method is quite dangerous, but it can remove dirt and leave a beautiful patina.

Household chemicals

Household chemicals designed to dissolve soap scum or rust on plumbing fixtures contain acid, which also removes oxides from copper coins.

For example, a fairly common product is Cilit.

How to use it to clean products:

pour a little product into a non-metallic container;
place a coin in it;
stand for 15 minutes;
get; get;
wipe with a thick cloth;
Rinse.

Often a copper coin will take on a reddish tint after this treatment, but over time it will turn into a patina and the item will look natural.

How to return noble patina to copper

Many methods of cleaning coins, along with oxides and dirt, also remove the natural patina, which is so highly valued by numismatists. In order to artificially recreate it, you will need sulfur ointment. It can be purchased at a pharmacy.

Sequencing:

pour into a small basin or bowl warm water;
put on rubber gloves;
apply and rub sulfur ointment into the coin, this should be done with your hands under water;
try to distribute the ointment evenly over the product;
as soon as the metal begins to darken, the product must be removed and wiped with a paper towel;
leave the coin for two days to consolidate the effect;
After that, lubricate with Vaseline and polish with a felt cloth.

The desired effect is achieved in several doses, with an interval of two months. It should be remembered that artificial patina is easily washed off with a product containing acid.

Video: Cleaning copper coins with soapy water

Any novice treasure hunter is interested in the topic of cleaning found items, including coins. First, you need to understand that the main cleaning methods that will be effective in your case depend on the alloy of the sample you find.

Silver, nickel, copper gold and other alloy coins are cleaned differently. In this article you will learn how to clean copper coins. According to statistics, finds made from this metal are the most common and, after discovery, definitely need to be cleaned. Professionals will help you properly clean the find, since this is a rather delicate matter and the process itself can be quite complicated; it is especially difficult to preserve the patina layer or if you have one of the representatives of the royal coins. But not every treasure hunter is ready to pay the cost of the procedure or put the found coin at risk, which is why we have presented you with the most effective options for cleaning copper coins yourself at home. You will find various ways from frankly simple cleaning soap to semi-professional Trilon.

Coin conservation

The first thing a novice treasure hunter needs to know is that it’s not enough to just throw your copper find into a bag and start processing after a while. It is very important not to damage the patina; the patina layer is a coating formed over years of burial underground, which can protect the product from severe damage and maintain its original value.

You should handle the find with plastic tweezers, and store it in a non-metallic container, preferably also plastic. You can avoid exposure of a coin to external irritants by preserving it. There are two most popular types conservation:

1) Fill the container with cotton wool. A temporary measure, sufficient for transportation, but not for long-term storage.

2) Fill the container with olive oil. Ideal for both transportation and long-term storage.

Cleaning Copper Coins

Anyone who has ever experienced cleaning copper medallions on their own will say that it’s easy to ruin such a product.

Strong mechanical, chemical or acidic effects will lead to inevitable damage to the patina, and in cases where the specimen is very rare, it is worth considering the help of professionals.

For everyone else, there are several options for the safest cleaning.

Method 1: soap solution

Soap is the most gentle option, the essence of this process is very simple: choose soap without unnecessary impurities (household soap is best), rub it on a fine grater. We dilute it with boiling water to a homogeneous thick mass and place all copper finds in a non-metallic container, preferably plastic. From time to time it is worth removing coins from the soap and rinsing them under running water using the softest toothbrush.

This method has its disadvantages:

— if you overdo it with a brush, you can damage the coin;

— the whole process can last from 1-2 weeks to several months.

Method 2: citric acid

Various oxides of low concentration will help to clean the product in a short time; citric acid, which is present in almost any kitchen, is ideal for these purposes. The acid crystals must be diluted until completely dissolved in a non-metallic container and a copper coin must be placed in the solution. The cleaning process will begin instantly, but along with this all the unpleasant chips, abrasions and other minor damage will appear.

Method 3: oil cooking

Cleaning coins in this way is suitable for those who are not afraid of getting burned, because the whole point of cleaning is that the coins are placed in a pan with oil (olive or sunflower) and then begin to boil. The danger is that one by one the coins should be removed from the container and given a small mechanical impact soft toothbrush. If you don’t overdo it with the brush, you can quickly get rid of dirt without harming your coins using this product.

Method 4: cooking in soda

Another way to “cook” a copper medallion to perfection is to boil it in water with 3-5 tablespoons of vinegar per half liter of volume. The final result is quite good, a small green coating disappears from the surface, and difficult areas can be finished with a brush using dry soda.

Method 5: ammonia

If during the cleaning process one of the previous methods failed to achieve the desired result or there is initially a large layer of plaque on the product, then you can use ammonia. The coins are completely covered and remain in the bath until completely cleaned. Definitely, this method is very effective, but one of the most harsh on the surface, you can almost forget about the patina layer.

Method 6: cleaning with Trilon-B

Trilon-B (disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a specially developed product whose action is aimed at softening metal salts. Oxides and patina under trilon are very easily removed from the surface. Trilon-B ideally copes with uniform contamination, but in the case where the coating is located pointwise on the product, the part that was contaminated will acquire shine, and other surfaces will lose a layer of patina. By choosing to clean with Trilon, you can get a clean coin in a few minutes, without damaging the metal, as some salts and alkalis do.

Method 7: electrolytic cleaning.

If you are not unfamiliar with various chemical methods cleaning, then you can resort to this remedy. For this you will need:

A glass of cold water;
Stainless steel spoon;
Salt (small pinch);
Source direct current 9-18 volts;
Small crocodile clips;
Soda.

The first thing to start with is to prepare a saline solution, a copper medallion is lowered into it, to which a negative wire is pre-attached, the positive wire is attached to a spoon and is also lowered into the water. Make sure that the coin and spoon do not touch in the solution. After proper placement, you can plug in the adapter; after a while, the solution will begin to become cloudy, turning the color of the impurities that have come off the surface of the product.

Important
You can check whether the coin has been cleaned or not by first disconnecting everything from the voltage; if the product has gotten rid of plaque, you can stop it by disconnecting the coin from the clamp and placing it in soda for a while to stop the reactions taking place. This method is somewhat universal and will also work for other coins.

You can clean your find using any of the methods presented above, each of them has been tested and each has its own pros and cons; which one is better, simple cleaning with lemon or hard cleaning with Trilon, is up to you. Do not forget that all the nuances can be learned only during the cleaning procedure at home, and if your coin is an exceptional rarity, for example, one of the royal coins, then you should seek the help of professionals and not risk a valuable specimen. Remember, these methods are only suitable for cleaning a copper coin; if you have one of the nickel coins or another metal, these methods will not work. After cleaning, take care of proper storage, and then the find will delight you for many years.

So, earlier we looked at how to deal with coins and other pleasant swag that came your way. Let us remind you of the main idea: do not rub the coin, soak it at home in a soapy solution or gruel.

Now, let's take a quick look at ways to clean copper coins and copper products that happen to be at your disposal. We won’t talk about anything global, but will focus only on those methods that are accessible to the majority and do not require any special knowledge or costs. These methods include the following:

1. Electrolysis
2. Using a toothbrush and tooth powder (paste)
3. By cooking in oils and soda
4. Using Vinegar
5.Usage ammonia
6. Using citric acid

If you remember, in the previous article we talked about the fact that the coins first need to be passed through. The process is not quick, sometimes it takes a month or more. But, it should be recognized that it is almost impossible to spoil a coin using this method, therefore, if you have a suspicion that the coin is rare, you need to start 100% with this method.

The method is simple: the coin lies in the soap for 1-2 days, after which it is taken out, washed, carefully brushed, and again in the soap, and so on. Sometimes, no further processing is required, but often coins require more subtle cleaning using chemicals. Try soaking copper coins in detergent for a while and see what happens. Sometimes it helps. Then, we proceed to the points listed above.

Methods for cleaning copper coins

Electrolysis allows you to remove serious oxides; everything falls off, including the relief of the coin, if you do not track the process. The method can be used, but only if you check the coin every 10-30 seconds. Usually, not everyone follows the last remark, and electrolysis transfers all the most interesting things into solution, forever removing interesting reliefs from the coin. So, if you have no experience, it is better to refuse electrolysis. Yes, and don’t forget, electricity does not tolerate sloppiness and carelessness, be careful.

Toothpaste(powder) + brush with soft bristles. The technique is clear: you need to apply paste to the brush and rub, rub, rub. The important thing is that there were no solid particles (crystals) in the paste itself, otherwise the coin could be scratched. Otherwise, the method is good, it is often used, and gives quite normal results.

Boiling in oil. Some people do this and practice it, but we don’t use this method because it’s a lot of hassle and it’s dangerous. And the result – when, how. You decide. On the other hand, if you boil coins and copper in Vaseline oil, and then work with a brush and paste, the result can be impressive. But here you need to think about your own safety measures so as not to accidentally spill the oil on yourself.

Copper can be cleaned vinegar solution(in the concentration that is used for cooking). The coin needs to be immersed in the solution, held for a couple of minutes, taken out, wiped, evaluate the result and decide on further cleaning. Sometimes this manipulation needs to be carried out more than a dozen times. Some people recommend immediately leaving the coin for 20-30 minutes, but following this advice, the coin can be completely ruined.

Interesting copper citric acid(at 30% concentration, for 1 part of acid you need to take approximately 2.3 parts of water, that is, for 1 ml of acid - 2.3 ml of water). The coin is washed and then placed in this solution; when the reaction is over, you can see what happened. It is best to carry out this cleaning first on some less valuable coin. To have an idea of the process.

Worthy of attention and use ammonia(sold at the pharmacy), just don’t leave the coin in the solution for a long time, it’s better to take it out every 60-90 seconds and monitor the process.

There are other methods, but we have described those that are most often used by treasure hunters in practice. It is clear that each technique requires its own approach, each has its own subtleties, but all this can be learned quite quickly. After cleaning 5-10 coins using one method or another, an understanding of the technique will come. By the way, poops are best suited for testing methods, since they are not so sorry if something goes wrong. So, there is a use for everything.

P.S.:
1. For your convenience, if you decide to take the matter seriously, look through the chemistry course, pay attention to the method of obtaining solutions of different concentrations, in particular, to the “rule of the cross”.

Study the "Rule of the Cross" in chemistry

2. When working with acids (even in low concentrations), try to wear gloves or use tweezers with rubber tubes attached to the ends (so as not to scratch the coin).

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To become an experienced and professional numismatist, you need to be able to understand many things. The fact is that numismatics includes many subtleties and details that are important when collecting rare and valuable items.

Regardless of the experience of a numismatist, every collector should know how to clean copper coins at home. This process is simple, but has its own nuances. Cleaning metal products is necessary if coins have a certain level of dirt, oxidation or plaque. To give the collection a decent look, you need to protect the metal surface with a layer of patina. Then the specimens acquire shine, and the engraving details are clearly visible to the naked eye.

Now the topic of how to clean copper coins at home is very relevant among numismatists. The fact is that the opinions of some experts in this case differ. Some say that substances can destroy appearance metal products, while others, on the contrary, claim the opposite. If you use untested and dubious methods detergents, then there is indeed a possibility of harming the appearance of the coins. In this case, you need to take a responsible approach to restore the original appearance of the products. It’s also worth thinking in advance about how to clean a copper coin at home.

During the years of the USSR, a huge number of different coins were issued. Several dozen factories operated throughout the country, diligently producing metal products for the population. More than a decade has passed since their release, so their appearance has changed slightly. The value of such coins instantly drops in the market if they are not properly cared for.

Each copy that was released in the Soviet Union has its own history. To preserve the memory of bygone years, you need to know how to clean a copper coin at home.

Experts do not recommend using chemical compounds without having specific skills. It is worth noting that suitable drugs are not so easy to find. But there is an opportunity to make your own mixture at home: ammonia, soda and toothpaste. This composition effectively and quickly copes with contaminants. In addition, this mixture can be prepared in large quantities and packaged in a well-protected container. The mixture should be stored covered so that beneficial features did not disappear. After applying the composition to the surface of the coin, it is necessary to rub it with a brush and rinse with warm water. At the end of the procedure, the coins must dry thoroughly.

To remove varying degrees of contaminants, you can use water and soda. The mixture must be poured into a clean container and a coin placed there for two hours. During this time, the surface will be cleared of dirt and become shiny. Then you need to wash all metal products and dry them.

Also, some numismatists use another effective way, which is as follows: one teaspoon of citric acid, a glass of warm water. This composition needs to be stirred well, and then a metal product should be placed there for a minute. Then you need to quickly take out the coin and wipe it with a dry cloth. It is important to remember that the coin should not be left in the solution for a long time, otherwise it may deteriorate. In this case, the specimen will completely lose its shine.

Copper exhibits

How to clean copper coins? Even from such metal, you can clean the surface of products at home. At the same time, everything can be done without damage.

You should adhere to the following instructions:

First you need to prepare a solution consisting of laundry soap. Before this, you need to cut the soap into small shavings and put it in a container with boiling water. Then you need to wait until the soap is completely dissolved in the water. And only then can you put metal products in a container for two days. From time to time it is worth cleaning the surface of the coins with a brush. Upon completion of the procedure, each coin is dried and washed. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure. As a result, the oxides should disappear from the specimens, turning the coins into a sparkling collection.
How to clean copper coins at home? It's very simple, just take a soap solution and add soda to speed up the process. It is worth noting that you should first mix soda with water. After these steps, each coin must be lubricated with alcohol and Vaseline for shine. In this way, products can be protected from contamination and oxidation.
Renewing the appearance of metal products can be done using citric acid. To do this, you will need to immerse the coins in the solution for half an hour, and then wipe them dry with a soft cloth. It is possible that the metal may acquire a pink tint, but after thirty days it will disappear.
How to clean copper coins at home to get rid of the problem quickly and effectively? You can dip coins in boiled Vaseline oil for half an hour. In general, you need to boil metal products until they are completely clean. Then, if necessary, rinse again in ethyl alcohol.
If the specimens are in poor condition, they must be handled very carefully. In this case, you can use caustic soda, having previously dissolved it in water. To avoid getting burned, you need to prepare for cleaning by wearing special gloves. To work, you will also need tweezers, with which you will need to dip coins in the solution. It is worth remembering that not all types of coins can withstand strong alkali. If the coins begin to turn blue or green during the cleaning process, then you need to interrupt this method.

Now every numismatist knows how to clean a copper coin at home. The main thing is to follow certain instructions, then the coins will be in perfect order. And then there will be no problem with how to clean copper coins at home?

Bronze exhibits

Most methods for cleaning bronze coins from dirt are similar to methods for cleaning copper products. It is also possible to use citric acid and soda. The following composition is acceptable for use: Trilon, ammonia, water and toothpaste. Properly used substances will help quickly get rid of darkening on specimens.

It is not recommended to use nitric or sulfuric acid. In this case, the acid will only be useful when cleaning inexpensive coins that are in poor condition. At the end, the surface can be smeared with sulfur ointment for shine. The procedure includes the following steps: Vaseline ointment and sulfur ointment are applied to the coin and all this is smeared over the entire surface using a toothbrush. Finally, rinse the bronze items with warm water. Thus, the coin is covered with a protective layer that protects the material from oxidation. Residues from the oil can be washed off with running water.

Cleaning antique coins

If the collection contains ancient coins, then they should be treated with vinegar and toothpaste. To ensure that the composition lies evenly on the surface of the coin, you must apply it carefully with a toothbrush. It is better to use this tool in a circular motion to remove plaque on the surface. Experts advise immersing the product in a container with vinegar for just about twenty minutes. You should not leave coins in the solution for a long time, otherwise the coins will become unusable. At the end of the procedure, you need to rinse them thoroughly in water.

As a rule, pieces of earth get stuck in coins of the imperial period, which negatively affect the appearance of the products. Experts advise boiling exhibits in water and soda. But before the process you should prepare: one tablespoon of soda per 200-300 ml of water. You need to boil for no more than 30 minutes. Although this procedure can be repeated until maximum results are achieved.

If it comes to silver coins, then it is possible to use ammonia with water. The coins are placed in the liquid for sixty minutes. It is worth noting that if you don’t have ammonia at home, it doesn’t matter, because you can always replace it with soda.

It is important to remember that after each procedure, all specimens must be thoroughly dried. The fact is that the appearance of the collection depends on this.