Clean Copper Coins in Seconds
Brighten old, dark pennies in seconds! No scrubbing necessary at all. The effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, so ensure you cover the entire coin!
Steps
- In a small container, place a small amount of table-salt (1 gram is plenty).
- Add enough acetic acid (vinegar, white vinegar is most recommended) to moisten the salt into a paste.
- Now simply apply the paste to the penny wherever you want it to brighten up. The effect is immediate and obvious.
- Note: if you don't have any vinegar you can substitute it with tomato ketchup because it is also acidic. This works well for copper bottom pans too!
Tips
- Because the effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, this allows one to get creative with the contrasting features of the coin itself with your choice of different colored copper. For instance, use a small applicator to "paint" only the heads for an unusual "cameo" effect.
- If it's a very thin coin, don't clean it as the vinegar can scorch through it.
- Do not leave the coin in the ketchup for more than an hour or two as it will leave a green oxidation on the coin.
Warnings
- Different types of coins require different cleaning solutions, so ask an expert if you are not sure.
- Do not ever use this solution on valuable coins. Although a vinegar solution is a weak of acetic acid, it could result in the creation of undesirable tones or lustre, or the destruction of the patina. Leave it for a collector to assess and deal with. You may cause irreparable damage. The same goes for all antiques -don't clean, paint or polish anything that may have value before getting them appraised.
- NEVER drink the solution that was used to clean the pennies.
Things You'll Need
- Salt
- Vinegar or tomato ketchup
- Old copper coins
- Small container
