Old,Dirty Pennies

[Guest]

I have about 8 rolls of pennies, Wheaties thru looks like, early 70's. Cannot see whether any varieties are among them because of corrosion. Any ideas on cleaning all these in bulk, rather than 1 coin at a time? I hate to miss a good variety coin because of this corrosion. I cleaned 1 coin to compare to what i'm against. And even if i did clean, and there was a good one in there, would the value of it drop alot because it was cleaned? Thanks for your opinions. The second pic is a cleaned lincoln. Picture 532.jpg

Picture 533.jpg

[engine823]

Well I'm no expert but my opinion is that they arn't worth anything in the condition they are in so what do you have to lose?? That being said, any cleaning if you do find a nice variety, will I'm sure hurt the value. Even if the value is lower they are worth more than a dirty cent.
Mass cleaning? I have seen people use a rock tumbler with sand to clean metal detecting finds all at once. That is probably pretty harshon the coin though. I personnelly would soak them in amonia then use a soapy water and tooth brush.
Hope this helps. It may be nothing like everyone else would recommend though.

[frebrd]

Well I'm no expert but my opinion is that they arn't worth anything in the condition they are in so what do you have to lose?? That being said, any cleaning if you do find a nice variety, will I'm sure hurt the value. Even if the value is lower they are worth more than a dirty cent.
Mass cleaning? I have seen people use a rock tumbler with sand to clean metal detecting finds all at once. That is probably pretty harshon the coin though. I personnelly would soak them in amonia then use a soapy water and tooth brush.
Hope this helps. It may be nothing like everyone else would recommend though.

Pretty much my same thoughts too. I think i will just let the coinstar eat them, and cash in on some..hopefully better lookin coins!

[seal006]

When roll searching, I usually do not even look at the overly corroded ones. If it will not grade at least VG, it is just a waste to me. If you want to clean them, that is your choice. I would suggest an acetone bath and or a soaking in olive oil. At least that is what I have heard from those that metal detect.

[ember]

I do believe that Acetone is one of the only things allowed by PCGS if that matters at all.

[pennies4pennies]

I would Acetone on the ones that are not to bad with a fine toothbrush. It really can't hurt to much if they are in bad shape. If they are pit holes then if you clean the coin then you will see more damage show up as you remove the dirt.
Yes you will lose value on a coin if you clean it. Acetone will get some dirt off but if you clean it as your picture shows then forget the value.
Frank
I do use acetone on some off my coins when there is heavy dirt and I have sent them in for grading. Not once has one of my coins came back marked clean from PCGS,NGC,Anacs.

[jfines69]

When ever you clean a coin the value does drop... When I clean/ remove contamination from my coins I start with a mix of dawn liquid dish soap 25% and water 75%... I soak for as long as a week changing the mix each day... This will disolve and remove most dirt/grease... Just remember that the petina can come off of some coins no matter what you do... I also have methods beyond this but can save that for later!!!

[hasfam]

I use a hammer and chisle and a large steel grinder. It removes everything........including the coin.

[pennies4pennies]

I use a hammer and chisle and a large steel grinder. It removes everything........including the coin.

TOO MUCH

[frebrd]

WOW! There was 21 wheaties in one roll! What a shame ! 1945-1958

[BadThad]

Really, for bulk cleaning Jim's idea is fine. I usually just take them to the sink and clean them one at a time under very hot running water between my fingers. Sometimes I give it a dash of liquid dish soap. It's not to often I do this.....only if I have a specific reason....like I might have something. In general, the really corroded coins go into the junk pile as it's not worth my time.