Metal detecting is a hobby that has been around for many years. We all dream of finding old and ancient coins from past generations. It’s an exciting feeling when you unearth a coin that’s caked in so much dirt, you can’t tell if it’s worth anything!
Most old coins found while metal detecting are only worth their face value. But you never know what you might find. If it’s a rare coin, or if it turns out to be an old worn-out penny with George Washington’s face on it, you may have hit the jackpot!
So, before you get carried away with scrubbing off the dirt from coins and damaging them, take a few moments to read the information below.
Cleaning Old Coins Metal Detecting
You can clean most old coins found metal detecting with soap and water. Start by soaking the coin in lukewarm water and adding some mild soap to your hands. Gently rub the coin until you can see its face to determine if it’s worth keeping or just a dud.
If the coin you just found is valuable and worth keeping, follow the guide below to completely clean it without damaging it.
What You Should Know Before Cleaning Old Coins
Whether you’re just a beginner or already a Pro, before you start cleaning the coins you’ve found, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First: They’re old! This means they’ve been on the ground for a long time and have picked up dirt, grease, and oxidation.
Second: These coins may be valuable! These might be some of the last coins left with a deep history of our country (consider how old that is!). Be careful when handling them, as not to damage or dirty them any more than they already are.
Third: You should also know that metals don’t like water! Water will cause them to corrode much faster (which makes it harder for you to clean them).
To get rid of all the dirt, grease, and oxidation, you’ll want to use only special cleaners that are made for coins. You can find these at any coin shop or in the jewelry department of some stores.
Necessary Cleaning Supplies
Below is a list of the necessary supplies to clean dirty coins found while treasure hunting. You don’t need all of the items, but try to gather as many of them as you can.
- Toothpicks
- Old toothbrush
- Small bowl
- Chux wipes
- Coin cleaning cloth
- Sunshine (optional)
- Jeweler’s loupe
- Cleaning solution (see below for recipe)
- Ziplock bag
- Miller’s spot remover
How to Clean Coins With Hydrogen Peroxide
After you get all of your needed supplies, put them on a table in the order that you will be using them.
The best way to clean coins is to start by washing off each one with warm-soapy water or hydrogen peroxide. Gently scrub all the dirt/debris off with a soft toothbrush to help remove anything stuck on your coin(s).
Once you’ve removed all the dirt and debris from your coins, put them into a container filled with water and peroxide.
The mixture should have one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts water (for example, if you are using a 32 fluid ounce container, then you would fill it with 16 ounces of 5% hydrogen peroxide and 16 ounces of warm water).
Let your coins soak for at least 15 minutes and up to 24 hours. Make sure you put the coins in a container that allows the peroxide to seep through to all sides of your coins.
If you do not see bubbles rising, then it means there is no oxygen getting into the container(s). Scoop out your coins every 15 minutes to remove loose dirt and debris from them. Then scrub off any stubborn dirt and debris with a toothbrush.
Keep doing this until the water running out of your container is clear (it may take several hours to complete).
After you’re done soaking your coins, consider giving them a final scrub with a soft toothbrush. This will remove any lingering dirt and debris that did not come off in the peroxide solution.
Once you have scrubbed off all of the dirt and debris, give your coins a final rinse under warm running water and dab dry them with paper towels. Use a soft cloth/chiffon to wipe clean any dirt or residue left on your coin(s) from rinsing them with water.
Make Your Own Cleaning Solution
If you’re looking for a gentle cleaning solution for your coins, here’s what I use…
- 1 quart of distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of mild soap (like Ivory)
First, combine the baking soda and soap in a large bowl. Stir the mixture until they’re blended together.
Add the water and mix until the solution becomes clear.
If you’re looking for a stronger cleaning solution, add more baking soda; if you want to keep it mild, add more water.
Note: This solution doesn’t produce any harmful fumes, so it’s perfectly fine to use indoors. It’s also gentle on the skin and you can use it without gloves.
Conclusion
This article has provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean the coins you might find metal detecting. We hope this information is helpful and that it will help keep them in good condition for years to come!
Looking for more tips and tricks about metal detecting? Check out our blog where we regularly post articles and guides I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
