What is the best way to clean coins without damaging them?
As a general rule, coins should not be cleaned at all as doing so may end up ruining the coin’s numismatic value. The wisest course is to leave your coin collection untouched and stored in the proper holders. The reason that cleaning coins is rarely a good idea is that cleaning is apt to alter a coin’s surface or toning in an undesirable manner (such as leaving small “poct marks”, spots or scratches on the coin’s surface) unless great care is taken and the proper cleaning method is selected. It is a good idea to consult a coin dealer or other coin expert to assist you in deciding whether cleaning a particular coin is a good idea. When in doubt do not clean a coin. If you decide to clean your coins, here are some pointers to keep in mind to avoid or minimize the chances of damaging them. Dirt and grime that accumulates on coins can often be safely removed by applying a layer of Vaseline to both surfaces of the coin with a QTip and then gently rubbing these surfaces clean with a very sof
