Should you clean coins before selling?
Gefragt von: Herr Prof. Dr. Wladimir Hammer MBA.sternezahl: 4.8/5 (35 sternebewertungen)
No, you should almost never clean coins before selling because it usually destroys their collectible value by removing the natural patina and creating micro-scratches, which collectors see as damage; instead, keep them in original condition or, if desperate for minimal dirt removal, only use distilled water and a very soft brush, but avoid scrubbing or chemicals.
Do coins lose value when cleaned?
It's generally not a good idea to clean coins, especially collectible or valuable ones. Cleaning can damage the coin's surface, remove its natural toning, and significantly decrease its value. Even light cleaning can leave microscopic scratches that collectors and dealers will notice. If a coin looks dirty or tarnished.
Is it better to leave coins uncleaned?
When it comes to cleaning a coin, the general rule of thumb is simple: don't clean your coins. Cleaning coins is not only generally harmful to their value, but it can also irreparably damage their surfaces -- rendering many pieces numismatically uncollectible. via Gainesville Coins.
Why do they say not to clean old coins?
Most coin experts have since come out against cleaning coins, as doing so can negatively affect them both in grade and value. If a potentially valuable coin must be cleaned (for example if the coin is deformed) then professional work is recommended.
How to sell coins without getting ripped off?
How to Sell Your Coin For Top Dollar
- Step1: Figure Out What Type of Collection You Have. ...
- Step 2: Understand Spreads and Profit Margins. ...
- Step 3: Create An Inventory Of The Coin Collection. ...
- Step 4: Have Realistic Expectation. ...
- Step 5: Get More Than One Opinion, But Be Fair. ...
- Step 6: Sell to the Coin Experts You Choose.
Coin Shop Owner on HOW TO CLEAN COINS?
What is the best way to sell my coins for cash?
If you bring your coins to a show, whether a small local event or a nationwide convention like the ANA's National Money Show® or World's Fair of Money®, you can shop your collection around to different dealers. Once you've gotten a few offers, you can return to whomever offered the most and sell them your coins.
What coin is worth over $1,000,000?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Because the coin was produced in limited numbers at the San Francisco Mint, it is exceptionally rare. Well-preserved examples can sell for over $1 million, especially in high-grade condition.
Is it better to soak or scrub coins?
Soak the coin in distilled water for a few minutes to gently loosen debris. If needed, use a very soft brush while the coin is still submerged to loosen the dirt. (Do not scrub.)
What devalues a coin?
Sharp changes in temperature and moisture cause discoloration that devalues coins.
Should I clean old coins to sell?
No. If you have any valuable coins, you should stay away from cleaning them before appraisals to make sure your coins do not lose any value. Some things that can make your coins look dirty (such as patina) can actually add to your coin's value. Trying to clean these marks out could harm the value of your coins.
Is it worth keeping old 1 coins?
The original £1 coin — nicknamed the “round pound” — was withdrawn from circulation in 2017 and replaced by the 12-sided bimetallic coin. Some of the final editions of the round pound, particularly those issued in 2016, are of interest to collectors. If you have any tucked away, they're worth keeping.
Does cleaning antique silver devalue it?
If you own tarnished silver coins, our advice is to leave them as they are and avoid cleaning or altering them in any way. Improper cleaning or the use of abrasive materials might irreparably damage your silver coin and diminish its value.
Is WD-40 good for cleaning coins?
The oil-base makes WD-40 reasonably effective at removing it without a lot of work. There is of course some sacrifice when this stuff is removed but fortunately the metal underneath is in pretty good condition and the coin, in hand, is much more presentable.
How to clean coins without devaluing them?
Fill a plastic container with distilled water and stir in the mild hand soap in which you will soak the dirty coins for 10 to 15 minutes. After this, take the coins out, lay them on a clean, soft cloth, and use the old, soft toothbrush to scrub each coin gently.
Why is the 1984 $1 coin rare?
Importantly, with the Maklouf portrait of the Queen introduced in 1985, the 1984 $1 is the only issued $1 bearing the Machin portrait. Thus, it is an utterly unique type in the Australian decimal series!
Do people buy cleaned coins?
Since cleaned coins lose much of their numismatic value due to the cleaning process, buying a cleaned coin is actually a great way to save a little bit of money while collecting old and rare gold coins.
How much is the 1947 to 1972 Elizabeth and Philip coin worth?
What is the 20 November 1947-1972 coin? These coins were sold by banks and post offices to celebrate the 1972 silver wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Because more than seven million were struck, they are fairly common today and not worth much more than their face value, which is 25p.
How much is a $1 coin from 1979 worth?
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of December 2025, a Susan B Anthony Coin from 1979 in circulated condition is worth between $1.05 and $1.35.
Should I clean my coins before getting them appraised?
What to Do Instead of Cleaning. Leave coins as they are before appraisal: Any attempt to improve their appearance can lower their value. Let a professional determine their worth in original condition.
Is a 1943 penny worth $1,000,000?
Most circulated examples are worth between 10 and 50 cents, while uncirculated coins can fetch $2 to $10, with high-grade certified pieces reaching $100 or more. Rare error varieties, such as the highly sought-after 1943 Copper Penny, can be worth over $100,000, and some have sold for more than $1 million.
What is the hardest coin to get?
The one remaining specimen is carefully preserved at National Numismatic Collections at the Smithsonian Institution. The 1849 Double Eagle is currently the rarest and most valuable coin in the world, with an estimated value of around $20 million.
What quarter is worth $2000 right now?
What quarter is worth $2000 right now? The 1932-D Washington quarter had a relatively low mintage of 436,800 pieces, making it one of the rarest in the series. The value of this quarter in higher grades (uncirculated conditions) can significantly exceed $2,000.