What is the best way to clean coins?

[SurreyGuy]

I've found a load of old pennies in my loft and they're looking rather forlorn.

What is the best way to clean them up?

Is there a wondrous solution that I can soak them in or can anyone recommend a good polish to which I have to add "elbow grease", please?

[Vagrant]

Check if they're valuable first - cleaning destroys their value.

[SurreyGuy]

Does it really? I didn't realise that.

Thanks, Vagrant.

[gingejbee]

If you go ahead with cleaning, I understand that tomato ketchup is a good cleaner of coins.

[AlBags]

Drop them in a glass of Cola for a while

[ummmm]

Coca Cola...

[saxy_jag]

If ... repeat IF ... they turn out to be not valuable and you really do want them shiny, then soaking in vinegar or brown sauce for a couple of hours should bring them up.

But I repeat what Vagrant says - get them valued first. I'm in touch with a fair few archaeologists and metal-detectorists, and they all say that cleaning coins beyond 'finger clean' (ie rubbing off the worst of the muck in warm water with your fingers) can corrode and devalue them. Same goes for any other metal 'finds'.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks folks for all those answers.

I'll have to find a coin place near me.

[alavahalf]

As a test ... get a dull 2p coin...put a spot of ketchup on the end of your finger.
Just spread it across half of the coin... Get a cloth and wipe it off after 10 seconds.
It's quite impressive.!

When I first tried this, my immediate thought was ...what does ketchup do to your stomach ?

[jaydah]

tablets for dentures are great for all metals and jewellery, wait till granny pegs off first

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks folks.

[boxtops]

Have a look on eBay before you go to the expense of getting them valued or trek off to a dealer - if they are worth anything they are probably on sale there (although probably at silly prices). Whatever you do, don't clean them up, half the value is in the forlornness!

[anneasquith]

hp sauce.

[jomifl]

Take them to a money launderer

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks all.

I'll let ya know if I have a millionaire-maker! :o)

[mia_swan]

Wet the impacted coin with a hygienic tap or distilled water, roll it in baking soda and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks mia_swan