Introduction
Gold coins have been a part of human history for millennia, dating all the way back to the 6th century BC in ancient Lydia, a kingdom in western Turkey. Once used as currency, they’ve now evolved into prized collectibles and valuable investments.
In today's volatile economic climate, gold coins provide a tangible way to safeguard your wealth from the erosive effects of inflation and economic uncertainty. However, to ensure your gold coins remain in pristine condition and preserve their value, proper care is essential. That’s why today we will teach you how to clean gold coins like a pro.
What makes gold coins special?
Gold coins are prized by collectors and investors alike for their timeless beauty and intrinsic value.
Crafted from pure gold, these coins stand out from the modern alloys, making them a stable investment and a beautiful collection piece. Not only that but their historical significance and rarity only further enhance their allure.
Historically, gold coins have proven to be a profitable investment. For instance, prices of elite coins increased by over 1,000% from 1976 to 1980 and by 600% from 1982 to 1989. This growth demonstrates the amazing potential of rare coins for significant returns beyond the value of the metal itself. That’s why many investors turn to high-quality gold coins to protect their hard-earned cash from inflation or to diversify their investment portfolio.
Coins from reputable sellers, like Premium Gold, make an excellent addition to any collection. For example, our exclusive collection features only 199 pieces of each design. Each coin is adorned with diamonds and crafted to the highest standards, achieving the highest grade on the Sheldon scale. This type of rarity and quality make them extremely valuable.
But if you want to maintain this value, you’ll need to keep them in excellent condition. Even minor scratches or blemishes can affect their worth, making proper upkeep and care essential.
Is it OK to clean gold coins?
Dirt and debris can obscure crucial details, impacting a coin’s condition grade and, consequently, its market value. So, proper cleaning can help maintain a coin’s pristine appearance and preserves its worth.
But cleaning gold coins can be risky, which is why experts usually advise against it. Unlike silver, gold is a relatively soft metal, and any abrasive cleaning method or improper use of chemicals can damage your coin’s delicate surface. That’s why if you do decide to clean them, it's essential to know what you're doing before you start.
How do you clean gold coins without devaluing them?
One of the biggest challenges with cleaning gold coins is the risk of damaging their delicate finish, fine edges, and intricate details. Since pure gold is a soft and malleable metal, improper handling and cleaning techniques can lead to scratches and other types of damage.
Such imperfections can decrease the value of your gold coin. On the bright side, you can easily avoid all potential pitfalls by preparing properly for the cleaning process.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind before cleaning your coins:
- Thoroughly wash your hands: Use warm water and soap to remove dirt, oil, and natural oils from your skin. These substances can transfer to the coins and cause tarnish over time.
- Wear clean cotton gloves: Protect your coins from fingerprints and other contaminants by wearing soft, clean cotton gloves. Avoid latex, plastic, or other gloves that may leave behind lubricants or powders.
- Use plastic tweezers: To minimize the risk of scratches, handle your coins with plastic tweezers. Metal tweezers can damage the delicate surfaces of the coins.
- Create a soft working surface: Lay a soft cloth or towel on a flat surface to protect your coins from damage if dropped. Avoid using rough or abrasive materials that could scratch the coins.
- Handle the coin by the edges: To avoid damaging the delicate surfaces of your coins, handle them by their edges. This reduces the pressure applied to the etched areas.
How do you clean dirty gold coins?
Each coin tells its own unique story - whether it’s a tale of ancient civilizations or a chapter in modern economic history. However, this uniqueness demands an equally special cleaning approach.
Even if your coins have become discolored or dull, it’s still possible to restore them to their former glory without decreasing their value or causing them harm. All you need are some delicate cleaning methods:
Soap and water
Soap and water are the ultimate cleaning combination. It’s not only the most straightforward way to clean gold coins but also the most effective. Prepare a soapy solution by mixing a small amount of mild soap with warm water, then dampen a soft cloth in the solution and wring out the excess water. Finally, gently rub the dampened cloth over the surface of the coins to remove any dirt and grime.
Microfiber cloth
Sometimes a gentle wipe with a clean microfiber cloth is enough to wipe away any grime or dirt that has accumulated on your coins. Just dampen the cloth with some water and give the coin a good rub.
Olive oil
Olive oil may sound unconventional, but it works. Apply a small amount of oil onto a soft cloth and gently rub the coin. Finally, wipe the coin with a dry cloth to gently buff the surface.
Jewelry cleaner
You can use a commercial jewelry cleaner to clean your coins. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a soft cloth. After you are done, wipe away any excess cleaner with a clean cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide
For dull or discolored coins, hydrogen peroxide can help return their shine. All you need to do is mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with water. Then, use a soft cloth to rub the coin gently. Finally, remove any excess hydrogen peroxide with a clean damp cloth and let the coin dry.
Professional cleaning service
If you are unsure how to clean your gold coins or don’t want to risk doing any damage, consider using a professional cleaning service. Coin dealers and numismatists have the tools, expertise, and experience to clean rare and precious coins without damaging them.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen, and when it comes to handling gold coins, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. If you want to avoid diminishing both the beauty and the value of your coins, it’s crucial to avoid these common mistakes:
- Harsh chemicals: Avoid using commercial cleaners or chemicals not specifically designed for coins. They can react with the metal and cause damage.
- Abrasive materials: Never use scouring pads or abrasive brushes on gold coins. They can leave scratches that permanently mar the surface.
- Household cleaners: Common household cleaners like vinegar or baking soda might seem harmless, but they can be too abrasive for gold coins.
- Over-cleaning: Resist the urge to clean your coins too often. Over-cleaning can strip away the natural patina that adds to their historical charm.
- Hot water: Hot water can cause metal fatigue and damage the coin's structure. Always use lukewarm or cool water.
How often should you clean your gold coins?
The frequency of cleaning depends on the condition and storage of your coins. Ideally, gold coins should not be cleaned at all, as over-cleaning can lead to wear and tear.
If your coins are stored and handled properly, they may only need the occasional dusting. However, if you’ve noticed significant tarnish or grime, then a careful cleaning may be warranted.
How to protect gold coins?
As the saying by Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus goes, 'prevention is better than cure.' This applies to gold coins as well. While cleaning is a necessary part of maintaining your coins, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect them from potential damage.
Not only that, but proper care can significantly reduce the need for frequent cleaning. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your gold coins remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Proper storage area
One of the best things about gold coins is that they are tangible assets you can keep right in your home. Unlike ETFs or other online assets, gold coins offer something you can physically hold in your hands. There's a simple truth: if you don’t hold it, you don’t truly own it.
Plus, gold coins are remarkably easy to store, making them a practical and accessible way to secure your wealth. Just keep them in a cool, dry place, away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight, as both heat and moisture can cause corrosion. It’s also important to store gold separately from silver or other tarnished metals, as they can contaminate your gold coins.
Storage materials
When choosing storage materials for your coins, avoid using common soft plastic holders that contain PVC. These types of containers can release harmful acids over time, causing damage and a greenish slime that can etch the coin’s surface.
Instead, store your gold coins in protective pouches, air-tight capsules, or archival-quality holders made of pure polyethylene or polyester. Make sure to check your storage materials regularly to ensure they are effectively protecting your coin collection.
Minimal handling time
Handling gold coins should be kept to a minimum to protect their value and appearance. While it might be tempting to admire them up close, over-handling can lead to accidental damage. Even after washing, your hands can still transfer oils or residues that may mar the coin's finish. If you do handle them, hold the coins by their edges rather than the face to minimize contact with the delicate surface.
Higher-purity gold coins are particularly prone to damage, making it even more important to limit handling. It’s best to leave your coins in their protective cases or safely stored away to reduce the risk of mishaps and preserve their condition.
Final words
While cleaning gold coins can be a delicate process, with the right techniques, you can easily keep your collection looking its best. Just remember to clean them sparingly, use gentle methods, and avoid harsh chemicals.
By following these care tips, you can protect not only the beauty but also the value of your gold coins. These timeless symbols of wealth and prosperity are a tangible investment, a testament to history, a safe-haven against inflation, and a potential source of financial growth.
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