What constitutes cleaning?

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  • Ishandia
    • Apr 2026

    #1

    What constitutes cleaning?

    I have a huge amount of pennies that I'm going through that, though they were kept pretty well, they are pretty dirty. I have been wiping them with a dry cloth, if they're dirty. Occasionally I will get a bowl of water with some dish soap and one of plain water and try to gently wash them, one at a time. My goals are to remove dust and cigarette tar, but to avoid scratching the coin.

    Is this considered "cleaning"? Or is cleaning more like stripping the brown layer off a penny (thus removing any mint luster)?

    Also, what is considered Polishing? Is that like using a copper polish on the coin or is it more like buffing the coin?

    What should I be doing to curate this collection? The ones with cigarette tar and obvious layers of dust really bug me. Should I be leaving them alone?
  • willbrooks
    Die & Design Expert, LCF Glossary Author

    • Jan 2012
    • 9477

    #2
    You should never "wipe" your coins. It can scratch them. I promote the polarity ladder prescribed by BadThad in this thread:
    All opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by willbrooks or his affiliates. Taking them may result in serious side effects. Results may vary. Offer not valid in New Jersey.

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    • Steven
      Member
      • Dec 2007
      • 2691

      #3
      There is an entire sub forum here dedicated to coin cleaning/preservation. You may wish to look through it. http://lincolncentresource.net/forum...splay.php?f=35

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