How Do You Clean Wheat Pennies? A Collector’s Guide

Casual, Authoritative

Informal, Encouraging

So, you’ve stumbled upon a stash of those classic wheat pennies and are wondering how do you clean wheat pennies without ruining their value? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! The American Numismatic Association, with its wealth of knowledge, emphasizes the importance of gentle cleaning methods. One common method involves soaking the coins; distilled water is an effective agent for removing loose dirt. Remember, improper cleaning can drastically reduce a coin’s value on the collector’s market. We’ll help you navigate the best practices, ensuring your wheat pennies remain a prized part of your collection!

How Do You Clean Wheat Pennies? A Collector’s Guide

So, you’ve stumbled upon some old wheat pennies and they’re looking a little worse for wear. Maybe they’re covered in grime, corrosion, or just years of accumulated dirt. You’re probably wondering, "How do you clean wheat pennies the right way?" It’s a great question, and one that requires a delicate balance. You want to restore some of their original appearance, but you absolutely don’t want to damage them and decrease their value. This guide will walk you through the best approaches, keeping that critical balance in mind.

The Golden Rule: Proceed with Caution

Before we even talk about cleaning methods, let’s establish the most important principle: cleaning coins, especially valuable ones, can significantly reduce their numismatic value. What looks cleaner to you might actually be seen as damage to a collector. Think of it like restoring an antique painting – a botched job can render it worthless.

That being said, if your wheat pennies are heavily corroded, have significant encrustations of dirt, or are just generally unattractive, gentle cleaning might be worth the risk, especially if they’re not particularly rare dates. The key is gentle and reversible methods.

Determining the Value & Condition First

Before you even think about soaking or scrubbing, do a little detective work. Knowing the date and mint mark of your wheat penny is crucial. Certain dates are much rarer than others, which directly impacts their value. A worn but uncleaned rare date is often worth more than a shiny, cleaned common date.

Also, really examine the condition of the coin. Is it just surface dirt, or is there actual corrosion (green or reddish deposits)? Is the detail sharp, or is it worn down? This assessment will help you determine if cleaning is even necessary and, if so, how aggressive you need to be (which should still be "not very").

Safe Cleaning Methods: Gentle is Key

Here’s a breakdown of methods, starting with the least aggressive and progressing to slightly more involved techniques. Remember to test any method on a single, low-value wheat penny first to see how it reacts.

1. Gentle Rinse with Distilled Water:

• What it does: Removes loose dirt and debris.
• How to do it: Simply rinse the penny under a gentle stream of distilled water (tap water contains minerals that can leave spots). Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber is good).
• When to use it: For coins with light surface dirt.

2. Soak in Distilled Water (Longer Duration):

• What it does: Loosens stubborn dirt and grime.
• How to do it: Place the penny in a small container filled with distilled water. Let it soak for several hours, or even overnight. Check it periodically. After soaking, rinse with fresh distilled water and pat dry.
• When to use it: When a quick rinse isn’t enough.

3. Soak in Acetone (Use with Ventilation!):

• What it does: Removes organic contaminants like oils and fingerprints.
• How to do it: Acetone is a solvent, so work in a well-ventilated area. Place the penny in a small container filled with pure acetone (available at hardware stores). Soak for a few minutes. Remove and let the acetone evaporate completely. Do not wipe the coin.
• When to use it: For coins with greasy deposits or fingerprints. Acetone is flammable and can dissolve some plastics, so use caution!

4. Soap and Water (Use Judiciously):

• What it does: Helps remove stubborn dirt.
• How to do it: Use a very mild soap (like dish soap diluted heavily) and distilled water. Gently wash the penny with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and pat dry. Never scrub the coin.
• When to use it: Only if distilled water alone isn’t doing the job. Be aware that some soaps can leave a residue.

What NOT to Do: Cleaning No-Nos

These methods are almost guaranteed to damage your wheat pennies and ruin their value:

• Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid anything with abrasive particles, like baking soda, toothpaste, or metal polishes.
• Vinegar or Lemon Juice: These are acidic and can etch the surface of the coin.
• Wire Brushes or Scrub Pads: These will scratch the coin’s surface beyond repair.
• Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals are a definite no-no.
• Electrolysis: While it can be used by experts, electrolysis is risky and can easily damage the coin in inexperienced hands.

Understanding Verdigris (Green Corrosion)

Verdigris is the green, crusty substance that forms on copper coins when they’re exposed to moisture and air. It’s a form of corrosion and can be challenging to remove. While some collectors actually like a bit of natural toning (a patina), heavy verdigris is generally undesirable.

Here’s what to know about dealing with it:

• Prevention is Key: Store your coins in a dry, airtight environment to prevent verdigris from forming.
• Gentle Removal: Try soaking the coin in distilled water for an extended period. Sometimes, this will loosen the verdigris enough to gently wipe it away with a cotton swab.
• Professional Help: If the verdigris is extensive or tightly bonded to the coin, consider consulting a professional coin conservator. They have specialized tools and chemicals that can remove verdigris without damaging the coin.
  

  Polishing cloths

These cloths are good for cleaning things like rings and other jewlery. However they should never be used on coins.

Drying Your Wheat Pennies

Drying is as important as the cleaning. Leaving water to air dry can cause water spots. Pat the coin with a lint-free cloth. You could also use canned air, hold the can 6-8" from the coin, and spray the coin. The air will remove any additional water and ensure the coin is dry.

So, there you have it! You’re now armed with the knowledge to tackle those grimy coins. Remember, how do you clean wheat pennies ultimately depends on their condition and your personal collecting goals. Start slow, be gentle, and always prioritize preservation over perfection. Happy collecting!