Chloe Zhang
If you have damaged plastic coins, there are several ways to restore them, depending on the type of coin and the extent of the damage. PVC damage, for example, which appears as greenish, milky, or grey streaks, can be treated by removing the coin from the plastic flip and cleaning it with a solution of vinegar and salt or warm water and dish soap. If the PVC residue is not removed soon enough, it will start eating into the surface of the coin, causing microscopic pits and indentations that cannot be repaired. Another option for removing dirt and sterilizing coins is to soak them in hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours, followed by rinsing and gentle drying with a cloth. For valuable or collectible coins, it is recommended to avoid cleaning them, as this can devalue them. Instead, consider submitting them to the US Mint Mutilated Coin Redemption Program, which pays $20 per pound for damaged coins.
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What You'll Learn
Use soapy water to clean plastic coins
If your plastic coins have become dirty or discoloured, you can use soapy water to clean them. This method is simple and effective and won't damage or scratch your coins.
First, fill a small bowl with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Dip each coin into the soapy water and keep it submerged. Gently rub the surface of the coin with your thumb and index finger to help the soap break apart any dirt or grit. If the coin is very dirty, you may need to let it soak for about five minutes before trying to scrub it again.
Once you are satisfied that the coin is clean, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a lint-free towel. Be sure to pat the coin gently to avoid creating micro-scratches.
You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a paper towel to brush the coins while they are still submerged in the soapy water solution. This may help to remove tougher dirt or grime.
It is important to note that you should never clean collectible coins, as this can greatly devalue them. Always make sure to handle cleaned coins with care, as your skin's natural oils can be corrosive to the coins.
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Avoid PVC to prevent damage
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a widely used chemical found in many plastic-based products, including some coin holders and flips. While PVC is prevalent due to its low cost, it is not an ideal material for storing coins as it can cause irreversible damage. The plasticizers in PVC, which are added to make the material more flexible, can leach out and break down on metal surfaces, resulting in a corrosive “green goo" that eats away at the coin's surface. This damage can manifest as greenish, milky, or grey streaks, spots, or blobs on the coin.
To prevent PVC damage, it is crucial to avoid using coin holders or flips made with PVC. Opt instead for alternative materials such as Mylar, which is a safe and reliable option for coin storage. Mylar flips are stiff, brittle, and do not contain PVC, making them a suitable choice for preserving the condition of your coins. Other recommended options include air-tites, kointains, intercept shield, and whitman gallery. These alternatives ensure that your coins remain protected from the harmful effects of PVC.
When selecting a coin holder or flip, it is essential to inspect the product carefully. If the plastic has a strong smell, similar to that of a cheap plastic toy or a shower curtain, it is likely to contain PVC and should be avoided. Additionally, you can perform a simple test by burning a small amount of the plastic. If the flame turns green, it is an indication of PVC presence. While this test may not always be feasible, it provides a definitive way to identify PVC-containing materials.
In addition to choosing PVC-free storage options, it is important to be cautious when purchasing coins from dealers. Some dealers may use vinyl 2x2 flips to sell individual coins, and these flips have been known to contain PVC. By being vigilant and avoiding PVC-containing flips and holders, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your valuable coin collection.
By following these guidelines and opting for PVC-free alternatives, you can effectively prevent PVC damage and maintain the condition and value of your coins for years to come.
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Use the US Mint Mutilated Coin Redemption Program
The United States Mint Mutilated Coin Redemption Program was established in 1911 and was available for many years. The program allowed people and businesses to exchange bent and partial coins for reimbursement. The US Mint paid $20 per pound for damaged dimes, quarters, and half-dollars, and there was no limit on the number of mutilated coins that could be submitted.
To use the program, coins had to be bagged up and sorted by denomination before being sent to the US Mint. Payment for eligible submissions would be received within several weeks of the US Mint receiving the coins.
However, as of October 25, 2024, the Mutilated Coin Redemption Program has been permanently closed. The US Mint cited difficulties in authenticating coins, particularly due to the large volume of coins submitted, as well as the presence of counterfeit coins in the submissions.
If you have mutilated pennies and nickels that you would like to melt, you can apply for a license from the Director of the United States Mint. Your application should include your name, business name (if applicable), whether the coins are bent and/or partial, a description of how the coins became mutilated, and the volume of coins requested to be melted.
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Clean with vinegar and salt
If your plastic coins have become discoloured or dirty, you can use a natural cleaning method with vinegar and salt to restore them. This method is preferable to commercial coin cleaners, which often contain harsh chemicals that can damage the coins.
First, rinse the coins in cold water to remove any dust or surface grime. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub away any gunk. Next, prepare your cleaning solution by pouring a few ounces of vinegar into a shallow, non-metal dish. Add a pinch of salt and stir the solution until the salt is dissolved. You can use either white vinegar or lemon juice for this step, and ensure that you use enough liquid to fully submerge the coins.
Once the salt is dissolved, place the coins into the dish and let them soak for 20-30 seconds. If the coins are heavily tarnished or have a lot of built-up grime, you may need to soak them for a little longer. Remove the coins from the solution one by one and gently rub them with your fingers or a soft cloth to polish them. Finally, rinse the coins in clean water and place them on a paper towel to air dry.
If your coins still have some tough tarnish or dark spots remaining, you can repeat the process and soak them for a little longer. Alternatively, you can try sprinkling table salt directly onto the surface of the coin and adding a few drops of lemon juice to create a thick paste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the coin for 1-2 minutes, then rinse and dry as usual.
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Use baking soda and water
It is important to note that baking soda is an abrasive, so it may leave scratches on your coins. Therefore, this method should only be used on coins that are not valuable or collectible.
To clean your old coins using baking soda and water, start by mixing a small amount of water with a tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste. Grab an old toothbrush and gently scrub each coin with the paste. Rinse the coins to reveal their shiny surfaces. If your coins are still dirty, fill a plastic container with warm water, about 1 inch deep. Add a squirt of dishwashing liquid and mix it to create some bubbles. Toss the coins in and rub each one until they shine. Finally, rinse the coins with warm water and let them dry.
If you are cleaning silver coins, you can use a similar method with an added electrical current for more effective cleaning. For this method, you will need aluminum foil, distilled clean water, a glass broiling pan, table salt, baking soda, four AA batteries, and a pair of alligator clips to create an electric current, as well as some electrical tape. Start by adding a few tablespoons of salt and baking soda to a pitcher of warm distilled water. Stir the mixture until it is fully dissolved; this makes the water more conductive to electricity. Line your glass dish with a large piece of aluminum foil, ensuring there are no gaps or holes. Now, create a power supply by connecting the four AA batteries in series to form a 6V power source. Place the coins in the solution and turn on the power supply. The electrical current will effectively clean the coins without the need for scrubbing or polishing, thus reducing the risk of scratching and damage.
It is worth noting that some sources advise against using baking soda to clean coins, as it can be too harsh and cause damage, especially to proof coins.
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Frequently asked questions
PVC damage on coins occurs when coins are stored in soft plastic flips or other plastic coin holders containing PVC. The PVC interacts with the coin's metal, creating a slightly acidic reaction, resulting in residual deposits on the coin's surface.
PVC residue has a distinctive smell, similar to the smell of opening a cheap plastic toy. In addition, PVC damage appears as greenish, milky, or grey streaks or haze on the coin's surface.
To prevent PVC damage, avoid storing coins in soft plastic flips or other plastic coin holders that contain PVC. Instead, opt for hard, stiff, and brittle types of coin flips made of materials like Mylar.
If your coins have PVC damage, remove them from the plastic holder immediately. The longer the coins remain in contact with the PVC, the more severe the damage will be. You can try removing the PVC residue using a variety of methods, such as treating the coin with isopropyl alcohol and salt, or soaking it in hot distilled water overnight. However, in extreme cases, PVC damage can leave microscopic pits and indentations that cannot be repaired.
If your coins are damaged, you have several options. You can try to clean and restore them using various methods mentioned above. Alternatively, you can submit them to the US Mint Mutilated Coin Redemption Program, which pays $20 per pound for damaged coins. However, keep in mind that there may be collectors willing to pay more for certain types of damaged coins on the collectors' market.
