How Do You Clean A Penny Without Damaging The Value?

1. In a jar, combine one cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon salt. ...
2. Pour the solution into the plastic container. ...
3. Add the coins in a single layer, so none of the coins are touching. ...
4. When you remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel, they should look shiny.

How do you clean copper coins without damaging them?

Start by adding a quarter cup of white vinegar , or lemon juice, into a cup or glass. Mix a teaspoon of salt into the liquid by stirring until it is dissolved. Place your pennies at the bottom of the cup or glass so that they are not stacked on top of each other. Wait about five minutes and check your pennies.

How do you clean old pennies without damaging them?

1. In a jar, combine one cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon salt. ...
2. Pour the solution into the plastic container. ...
3. Add the coins in a single layer, so none of the coins are touching. ...
4. When you remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel, they should look shiny.

What cleans a penny the best?

This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. It does this by using the low levels of acids that are contained naturally in vinegar and lemon juice to remove the patina (brown oxidation) on the penny.

Can you clean coins without losing value?

So what is the best way to clean old coins? ... It is best not to clean rare coins as removing the patina can significantly reduce the value of them. For this reason, most coin hobbyists almost never clean their coins . In fact, 99% of coins do not increase in value after you clean them, but many will be greatly devalued.

Are wheat pennies worth collecting?

Most wheat cents (wheat pennies were minted between 1909 and 1956) are worth about 4 to 5 cents . Those in better condition can have double-digit value. Special examples (especially those in near perfect condition) can be worth much more. Indian Head pennies from 1859 to 1879 are generally worth more than $10.

Why do pennies turn green?

A penny is made of copper. The vinegar on the paper towel helps the copper in the penny easily react with the oxygen in the air to form a blue-green colored compound called malachite.

How do professionals clean coins?

1. Step 1: Gather materials. For this method, you will need the following: ...
2. Step 2: Soak coin in vinegar. Pour your distilled white vinegar into your shallow bowl. ...
3. Step 3: Rinse coin with water. Remove the coins from the vinegar and gently rinse with distilled water. ...
4. Step 4: Let coin dry.

How can I make my pennies shiny again?

Vinegar (or Lemon Juice) and Salt

This method is the best way to clean your pennies, and it will produce a very bright orangey-copper color on your pennies. It does this by using the low levels of acids that are contained naturally in vinegar and lemon juice to remove the patina (brown oxidation) on the penny.

What is a safe way to clean old coins?

Take the coins out and sprinkle some baking soda over them ; then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush them clean. Rinse them out thoroughly with hot water; using tongs or gloves to hold them to avoid burning your fingers. Place them on a soft, cotton towel and leave to air dry.

What are the 15 most valuable pennies?

• 01 of 16. 1914-S Lincoln Penny. ...
• 02 of 16. 1944-D Lincoln Penny on a Zinc-Coated Steel Planchet. ...
• 03 of 16. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny. ...
• 04 of 16. 1872 Indian Head Penny. ...
• 05 of 16. 1969-S Lincoln Penny–Doubled Die Obverse. ...
• 06 of 16. 1926-S Lincoln Penny. ...
• 07 of 16. 1877 Indian Head Penny. ...
• 08 of 16. 1914-D Lincoln Penny.

Can you clean pennies with toothpaste?

Don’t use toothpaste – Toothpaste is extremely abrasive. It can make your coins appear shiny, but cause significant damage to the surface. ... Don’t use vinegar and baking soda – When put together, these two common household items create a potent, fizzy mixture that can clean dirt from coins.

How do you clean dirty coins fast?

1. In a jar, combine one cup vinegar (or lemon juice) and 1 tablespoon salt. ...
2. Pour the solution into the plastic container. ...
3. Add the coins in a single layer, so none of the coins are touching. ...
4. When you remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel, they should look shiny.

What is the rarest wheat penny?

• 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – $500,000.
• 1943 Copper Wheat Penny – $100,000.
• 1914 D Wheat Penny – $10,000.
• 1922 D Wheat Penny – $6,000.
• 1926 Wheat Penny – $4,000.

What are Kennedy half dollars worth?

Are 1983 pennies worth anything?

The 1983 penny with no mint mark and the 1983 D penny are each worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. The 1983 S proof penny is worth around $3 in PR 65 condition.