How to Clean a Coin Correctly

Coin Television
1 May 201913:38
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker shares their method for cleaning various coins, emphasizing the importance of testing the cleaning solution on the rim of copper coins first due to their reactive nature. They demonstrate the process using a hydrocarbon distillate, highlighting its effectiveness on metals without altering the coin's patina. The speaker also introduces a new product, BU Plus, which is being trialed for its ability to remove residues without harming the coin's surface, offering a potential solution for coins that have residues that return after cleaning.

Takeaways
  • 🧼 The speaker uses a q-tip technique to clean coins by pinching and pulling it to make it soft before swiping on the coin's corner.
  • 🌈 The cleaning solution is effective on all metals but requires caution with copper and bronze due to their reactive nature.
  • 💡 When cleaning copper, it's advised to test on the rim first to prevent altering the coin's patina or causing rainbow-colored reactions.
  • 🔬 The cleaning product is a highly refined hydrocarbon distillate, similar to but distinct from kerosene, and is used in conjunction with chemical engineers.
  • 💰 The process aims to remove surface residues without touching the coin's tone or surface, essentially 'rinsing' rather than cleaning.
  • 🔍 The speaker demonstrates the cleaning process on a dime and a half-dollar, showing the transformation from dirty to clean.
  • 🛠️ A new product called 'bu plus' is in trials, which is described as an improved version of an older cleaning product, ms70.
  • ✨ A proof gold coin was successfully cleaned with bu plus, demonstrating its effectiveness on high-quality coins.
  • 📦 The speaker recommends using air-tight holders and proper storage to prevent residue buildup and environmental damage.
  • 🏦 All coins sent for grading are rinsed with the cleaning solution to ensure they are free of surface residue before evaluation.
  • 💸 The cleaning solution is affordable and available in different sizes, with the speaker offering assistance after the presentation.
Q & A

  • What is the speaker's method for preparing a Q-tip for use?

    -The speaker pinches and pulls the Q-tip to make it soft before swishing it on the corner.

  • What type of metals does the speaker mention as being problematic for cleaning?

    -Copper and bronze are mentioned as problem metals because they react with everything.

  • What is the speaker's advice when using the cleaning solution on copper coins?

    -The speaker advises to test the cleaning solution on the rim of the copper coin first to see if it reacts with the copper or substances on the copper.

  • What happens when the cleaning solution reacts with copper or substances on copper?

    -When the cleaning solution reacts with copper or substances on it, it turns into beautiful rainbow colors.

  • What is the speaker's main goal when cleaning coins?

    -The speaker's main goal is to remove residues without touching the tone or surface of the metal, preserving the coin's patina.

  • What is the name of the product the speaker mentions that is currently in trials?

    -The product in trials is called 'BU Plus'.

  • How does the speaker describe the cleaning solution?

    -The speaker describes the cleaning solution as a highly refined hydrocarbon distillate in the solvent family, similar to kerosene.

  • What is the speaker's method for storing coins after cleaning?

    -The speaker uses airtights, snap bucks, or two by twos, closing them well and stapling them to ensure the coin's cleanliness is maintained.

  • What does the speaker say about carbon spots in the metal of coins?

    -Carbon spots are in the metal itself and cannot be removed by the cleaning method described in the script.

  • How does the speaker ensure coins sent for grading are free of surface residue and environmental damage?

    -The speaker rinses all coins with the cleaning solution before sending them for grading to reduce the chances of them being returned due to surface residue or environmental damage.

  • What is the cost of the small bottles of the cleaning solution mentioned by the speaker?

    -The small bottles of the cleaning solution cost five dollars.

Outlines
00:00
🎵 Q-tip Technique and Metal Cleaning

The speaker discusses their method of using a Q-tip to clean various metals, emphasizing the importance of making the Q-tip soft before use. They share their experience with cleaning rusted items and caution against using the technique on copper and bronze due to their reactive nature. The speaker also demonstrates cleaning a dirty dime with impressive results, highlighting the effectiveness of their method without damaging the coin's patina.

05:02
🧪 Hydrocarbon Distillate for Coin Cleaning

The speaker explains the use of a highly refined hydrocarbon distillate for cleaning coins, comparing it to kerosene but noting it's not the same. They proceed to demonstrate the cleaning process on a copper coin, showing how the distillate can remove dirt and residue without affecting the coin's surface. The speaker also mentions a new product in trials, 'BU Plus', which aims to prevent residue from returning after cleaning, a common issue with other methods.

10:03
🪙 Zinc Coin Conservation and Residue Removal

The speaker addresses the challenges of cleaning zinc coins, particularly the white residue that often returns after cleaning. They express optimism about the new 'BU Plus' product's ability to tackle this issue. The speaker also shares their routine of using different holders for storing coins and their practice of rinsing coins with a specific product since 1991, which has proven effective in preventing surface residue and environmental damage.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Q-tip
A Q-tip, commonly known as a cotton swab, is a small stick with cotton wrapped around one or both ends. In the context of the video, the speaker uses a Q-tip as a tool for cleaning coins. The Q-tip is modified by pinching and pulling to soften it before use. This shows a gentle approach to cleaning delicate items like coins, ensuring no damage to their surfaces.
💡Patina
Patina refers to a surface layer that develops on materials like metal or wood over time, often due to aging or exposure to the elements. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preserving the patina on metals, especially on coins. This is crucial for maintaining their historical and aesthetic value, as aggressive cleaning methods can strip away this layer.
💡Copper and Bronze
Copper and bronze are metals known for their tendency to react with various substances. The video highlights that these 'problem metals' require extra caution during cleaning, as they can react unpredictably. For instance, using certain cleaning liquids on copper can result in unwanted rainbow colors due to chemical reactions.
💡Hydrocarbon Distillate
A hydrocarbon distillate is a refined petroleum product used in various industrial applications. The speaker refers to a specialized, highly refined hydrocarbon distillate used for cleaning coins. This substance is likened to kerosene but is part of a more refined solvent family, indicating its suitability for delicate cleaning tasks.
💡Residue Removal
Residue removal is the process of eliminating unwanted substances from an object's surface. The video discusses the importance of removing residues like dirt, PVC, and environmental pollutants from coins without affecting their tone or underlying surface. This careful cleaning preserves the coin's original appearance and value.
💡Rim Testing
Rim testing is a cautious approach to testing cleaning agents on coins, particularly sensitive metals like copper. The speaker mentions testing the cleaning solution on the rim of a coin to observe any adverse reactions before fully applying it. This technique helps prevent damaging the coin's face while evaluating the cleaner's safety.
💡Environmental Damage
Environmental damage in the context of coin collecting refers to the deterioration or alteration of a coin's surface due to exposure to harmful conditions. The video discusses how proper cleaning can reduce the risk of such damage being flagged by coin grading services, ensuring the coins maintain their quality and value.
💡Proof Coin
A proof coin is a high-quality coin struck using a special minting process. These coins are known for their sharp detail and mirror-like finish. The speaker in the video references a proof coin when discussing the challenge of removing fingerprints without damaging the coin's delicate surface, illustrating the need for careful cleaning methods.
💡Air Tights and Snap Locks
Air tights and snap locks are types of protective coin holders. The speaker suggests using these holders to store coins after cleaning, as they provide a secure and sealed environment. This is essential for preserving the coin's condition and preventing future environmental damage or contamination.
💡Coin Grading Services
Coin grading services, like PCGS and NGC, are mentioned in the video as entities that evaluate and grade coins. The speaker emphasizes the importance of cleaning coins properly before submitting them for grading to avoid negative remarks such as 'surface residue' or 'environmental damage'. This highlights the critical role of proper cleaning in maintaining a coin's grade and value.
Highlights

Using a q-tip to soften and prepare it for delicate tasks.

Demonstration of cleaning techniques for rusted and aged metals.

Highlighting the reactivity of copper and bronze to cleaning solutions.

Techniques for safely cleaning copper coins, testing for chemical reactions.

Utilizing hydrocarbon distillates for cleaning without damaging the item's patina.

Presentation of a highly refined, proprietary solvent for cleaning.

Discussion on the use of kerosene and its place in the hydrocarbon distillate family.

Showcasing the cleaning of a tarnished half-dollar to restore its appearance.

Emphasis on not using water with the cleaning solvent for optimal results.

Introduction of a new trial product, BU+, for cleaning cloudy proof coins.

Dealing with the persistence of environmental damage on coins even after cleaning.

Suggestions for storing cleaned coins to prevent re-tarnishing.

Challenges in removing carbon spots from coins, a common issue for collectors.

Rinsing all coins before submission for grading to prevent residue and environmental damage.

Promotion of a cost-effective cleaning solution that has been beneficial for many.

Offering personal assistance and larger quantities of the cleaning solution at a convention.

Transcripts

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CoinCleaningPreservationTipsMetalCareCopperBronzeHydrocarbonDistillatePatinaProtectionCollectibleCoinsRestorationProcessAntiquePreservationNumismatics