Cleaning coins - don't use polish!

When cleaning coins, it's very important not to use polish.

Silver or brass polish - or other polishing agents - are abrasive, and can cause severe damage to copper or silver coins.

This is because polishing actually works by removing the topmost atomic layers of metal and working downwards from there. This means that if you use polishing agents, not only are you removing the patina (potentially damaging the coins value) but that you are also removing metal from the coin itself.

Ideally, you want your coin's metal to stay and the dirt to leave. Otherwise you can end up rubbing away or damaging any imprints, pictures, and text that are on the coin.

As always with cleaning coins, it's important to not only clean the coin, but also preserve it's condition and beauty.

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