Comments on: Should we clean old Silver coins before appraisal?

By: Xamanator

Xamanator — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:04:38 +0000

DON’T CLEAN THEM!!
If they were encrusted with dirt, you might wash it off with soapy water, but anything else will destroy the patina or ‘bloom’ on a coin, which is something a collector, and therefore a dealer, looks for.

By: Johnny H

Johnny H — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:14:25 +0000

NNOOOOOOOOO!! No do not clean!!!

By: perudonations

perudonations — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:42:49 +0000

No, no, no, no! Cleaning them by any method available to you will probably damage them and reduce their value. Keep them separate from each other and anything that might scratch them; that is, put them into individual containers, even if it means making tiny envelopes for them out of paper and staples. Also, avoid touching the faces. Hold them by the edge only. Take them to three or four reputable coin dealers. They will probably low-ball you if they want the merchandise for themselves. Most circulated coins hold little more than face value; but who knows? You might have a surprise in the collection, especially in the Morgan dollars. There are online sites which will tell you the current value of graded coins once you have an idea of the grade.

By: Heinz M

Heinz M — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:10:57 +0000

Don’t apply any mechanical force on them like rubbing them.
You could use a cleaner like Qwicksilver.

By: di12381

di12381 — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:46:29 +0000

I would take them to someone who will be able to answer the question.