Does cleaning rare coins devalue them?
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Does cleaning rare coins devalue them?
Cleaning or polishing rare coins devalues them. So, if you’re planning on selling them, get an appraisal before attempting to clean your coins. A good scrubbing can make those coins shine more brightly and look more attractive. If you don’t do it right, though, it can cause irreparable damage.
Are cleaned coins worth anything?
The single biggest mistake you can make as a collector: Cleaning your coins. Your collection will likely be worth much less if the coins have been cleaned! An uncirculated coin that has been cleaned is not longer an uncirculated coin!
How do you clean old coins without losing value?
To clean your coins without risking damage to the surface and a reduction of value, you should use only water. Grasp a coin by the edges, and hold it under a gentle stream of lukewarm distilled water. Flip the coin over so that the reverse side is also wet. Then, gently pat the coin dry with a soft cotton towel.
Why are cleaned coins bad?
They can remove some of the original finish or tone and even cause scratching, so they are viewed as a major negative in the world of numismatics. Polishing or rubbing coins can cause unnatural shine or other damage, also reducing the value of your coins. Cleaning is a factor in coins not qualifying for grading.
How much a coin is worth?
Small Cents
| Coin Type | Average Circulated | Typical Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| Small Cent – Flying Eagle – 1857-1858 | $10 – $50 | $100 -$200 |
| Indian Head Cent – 1859-1909 | $0.25 – $10 | $15 – $30 |
| Lincoln Cent – 1909-Present | Face value – $10 | Face value – $50 |
| Lincoln Cent – Steel w/ zinc plating – 1943 | Face value – $0.05 | $1 – $3 |
Why is cleaning coins bad?
So why is cleaning coins a bad idea? Because an improper cleaning can damage the coin’s surface and lower its value. If you’ve inherited a coin, or find an old coin somewhere, do not clean it. Your coins will be worth more with this untouched, and removing it can damage the coin’s surface.
How do you tell if a coin has been tooled?
Un-tooled coins often have a slightly convex obverse and slightly concave reverse. 2. Uniform smooth black or brown surfaces. Most often the original patina has been removed and the surface of a tooled coin is darkened bare metal or some other artificial patina.