Quote Originally Posted by slipknotpsycho
DAMNIT, ok 5 posts, last one i promise

Serious practitioners of numismatics (the study and collection of coins, paper money and medals) will tell you that you shouldn't clean your coin collection because collectors prefer that "natural look." But, hey, they're your coins and if you want them shiny, here's how to get them that way with minimal damage.
Instructions
STEP 1: Handle coins by the edges to avoid putting fingerprints on the flat surfaces. STEP 2: Avoid silver and other metal polishes - even jewelry polishes. They are much too harsh and will leave tiny scratches on the coin's surfaces. STEP 3: Soak the coins in olive oil or soapy water for a few days and then rinse them well with clean water. STEP 4: Try non-abrasive cleaners such as denatured or isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner (with water) if the soaking doesn't do the trick. STEP 5: Blow dry or pat cleaned coins with a soft cloth, not tissues or paper towels. STEP 6: Never rub the coin - unless it's your good luck charm.

i would do the olive oil, rather than the water



no no no, i did that once when i first got into cleaning, ruined a 10 dollar coin almost instantly... tarnex is the worth possible thing to clean with it's very abbrasive.

edit: ok, not 5 in a row, someone broke my chain
I just know it cleans and stinks bad. Had no idea it would hurt the coins. The commercial used to show them dipping coins.
Sorry your $10 coin got wrecked. Did doing that depreciate the value badly?