Coin and Paper Money Collecting/coin cleaning

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Expert: - 1/2/2011


Question
should I clean the coins and if so with what?

Answer
The general answer is you should never clean coins.  You're more than likely to damage the coin and to ruin its value as well as hurt the metal itself.  There have been a lot of discussions on how to properly conserve coins that have PVC damage or other issues that can use a proper cleaning.  You might want to check out the coin forums online, such as the PCGS, NGC, or Coin Community, Coin People, or Coin Talk coin forums.

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Volunteer

Bruce Goldstein

Expertise

I specialize in U.S. three-cent nickels, but also close behind them are U.S. two-cent pieces, three-cent silver, and twenty cent pieces. Also, I have a bit of experience in the area of U.S. Early Proofs (19th century). However, I can possibly assist in most questions regarding U.S. Type coins.

Experience

I have read virtually everything I can find in print on the areas of U.S. 2-3-20 cent pieces. I have written articles on three-cent coins and Early Proofs published (or will be published) in Coin World.

Organizations
ANA

Publications
Coin World

Education/Credentials
MS in Mathematical Physics ANA Advanced Grading and Problem Coins seminar

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