Cleaning 40% silver coins

[Curvekiller]

Hello All,

I've heard that it's always a bad idea to physically clean coins 9i.e. using abrasives, rubbing, etc.) What if you used a chemical method (i.e. baking soda & aluminum foil) to do so? It doesn't remove any silver, and simply removes the sulfides from the surfaces of the coin. Good/bad idea? Why?

Thanks in advance!

[IrishGold]

Hello All,

I've heard that it's always a bad idea to physically clean coins 9i.e. using abrasives, rubbing, etc.) What if you used a chemical method (i.e. baking soda & aluminum foil) to do so? It doesn't remove any silver, and simply removes the sulfides from the surfaces of the coin. Good/bad idea? Why?

Thanks in advance!
Why do it?
You will not receive any more for them if they are somewhat tarnished.
The "do not clean" rule applys to collector coins but certainly not to 40% halves!
I believe you have a falacy in your above argument. What you are removing is the silver sulfide when you clean it with sodium bicarbonate and aluminum. You are not just removing the sulpher.

[Curvekiller]

well, I personally don't care to clean it - but a friend of mine wants some coins, and he's a bit sueprficial :p

Anyways, here's a link:
http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/TARNISH.html

"The tarnish-removal method used in this experiment uses a chemical reaction to convert the silver sulfide back into silver. This does not remove any of the silver..."

Of course, it could be wrong. Just wanted to get your expert opinions on this topic before I proceed :)

[IrishGold]

well, I personally don't care to clean it - but a friend of mine wants some coins, and he's a bit sueprficial :p

Anyways, here's a link:
http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/HOMEEXPTS/TARNISH.html

"The tarnish-removal method used in this experiment uses a chemical reaction to convert the silver sulfide back into silver. This does not remove any of the silver..."

Of course, it could be wrong. Just wanted to get your expert opinions on this topic before I proceed :)Thank you for the cite curvekiller, I stand corrected.
I learn at least one thing every day!
As for your friend, let him clean them!:coolbeer:

[me_ummagumma]

my junk silver consists mostly of 40% and 90% half dollars.

I always soak my new purchases in a solution of water and dish detergent for a day. after a good soaking I take each individual coin and rapidly rub it briskly between my thumb and forefinger. I then place the coins in clear water for a while to rinse them. after soaking in the clear water I place the coins on newspapers and individually flip them over a few a times to dry. they dry rapidly with no spots.

it doesn't affect toning but I end up with nice clean coins and they smell good too.

maybe I've got too much time on my hands? :dance:

me_ummagumma

[edjerider]

No, you don't have too much time on your hands, you just like the look of shiney silver. I like to polish all manner of things, especially the alloy rims on my car. It's a "manly" thing to polish metals and don't ever let any bastard tell you otherwise! :angry: