10 Useful Ways How to Clean Copper Coins and Pennies

Do you have copper coins or pennies that look a little bit dirty?

Don’t worry, and I’m here to help you! I have some easy ways for you to clean your copper coins and pennies using things that you probably already have in your home.

You’ll be able to get your copper coins and pennies looking shiny and new again in no time at all – and it’s straightforward to do!

So please don’t wait any longer; read our blog post on how to clean copper coins and pennies now.

Cleaning copper coins and pennies can be fun for you and your kids. However, silver coins or copper coins can carry a lot of dirt. Because of this, it’s essential to clean them regularly.

Some of us collect copper coins as a hoppy, but over time they can become tarnished and lose their luster.

If you want to clean your collection or simply have some old pennies that need a bit of TLC, you need to check the following tips.

Valuable coins should always be cleaned and shining; as time passes, the copper in coins starts to oxidize, which can be hastened by exposure to moisture or pollution in the air.

As the coins circulate, they also tend to pick up dirt, grease, and other materials that can dull their appearance.

So, without further ado, let’s get started on how to clean copper coins and pennies!

How to Clean Copper Coins

As any coin collectors know, a coin’s condition can significantly impact its value. Copper coins, in particular, are susceptible to discoloration and tarnishing over time. Although many commercial products are available for cleaning copper coins, several simple household items can be just as effective.

One popular method is to soak the coins in vinegar and salt solution. The acidity of the vinegar helps to loosen the dirt and grime, while the salt scrubs away any remaining residue.

Another option is to use ketchup. The acidity and viscosity of the ketchup help break down the dirt, while the natural sugars act as a gentle polishing agent.

Whichever method you choose, rinse the coins well afterward to remove any residual cleaner. Time and effort allow you to easily clean even the most heavily tarnished copper coins.

Ways to Clean Copper Pennies and Coins

Since we all learned in elementary school that copper pennies are worth more than other coins, most of us have been looking for ways to clean them up and get them ready to spend.

Here are a few different methods that should work well, depending on the level of dirt and tarnish on your pennies. Try the following methods below Happy cleaning! 🙂

Pencil Eraser

As any coin collector knows, copper coins are some of a collection’s most beautiful and valuable pieces. However, over time, copper coins can become tarnished and challenging to clean. One effective way to clean copper coins is to use a pencil eraser.

First, gently rub the eraser over the surface of the coin. Cover the entire surface, including the crevices and raised areas.

Next, use a soft cloth to buff the coin and remove any remaining tarnish.

Finally, hold the coin under running water and dry it with a soft cloth. With a bit of elbow grease, you can easily clean even the most tarnished copper coins using nothing more than a pencil eraser.

Materials Needed

• Pencil eraser, alternatively you can use a pink eraser from the office supply store.
• Soft clean cloth to work on and clean the coins.
• Running water for the final result.

Use Tomato Ketchup

You can use Tomato ketchup to clean your copper coins and pennies. All you need to do is pour a bit of ketchup on a paper towel and then rub the coin with it. You can also use an old toothbrush to scrub the coin if it’s filthy. Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the coin off with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Materials Needed

• Tomato ketchup
• Paper towel or old soft toothbrush
• Warm Water
• Clean cloth

Use Vinegar (or Lemon Juice) and Salt

You can also clean your copper coins with vinegar (or lemon juice) and a teaspoon of salt. Mix equal vinegar and salt, and then pour the mixture over your coins. Allow them to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing them with an old toothbrush. Rinse the coins off with water when you’re done, and dry them with a clean cloth.

This method can create a chemical reaction, so please be careful.

Materials Needed

• A quarter cup of white vinegar (lemon juice or orange juice)
• Teaspoon of salt
• Old soft toothbrush
• Spoon to stirring
• Water
• Clean, dry cloth or paper towel
• A cup should be plastic or glass, not metal

MomShiny Tip

You should be patient with this method.

Remember that this is a low acid level, and it can take a long time for the brown color to return. It’s also important not to worry if there isn’t much change, as you might have missed something!

Bouns from MomShiny: 

Have you ever found a penny on the ground and wondered how old it was? You can easily clean pennies with a bit of vinegar and steel nuts or bolts. Over time, the acid in the vinegar will dissolve some of the copper on the pennies, and the steel will start to turn a copper color. It’s a simple way to clean your pennies and get some science in too!

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar (or Lemon Juice)

This is a classic combination for cleaning many different things and works just as well on copper coins. Simply mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar (or lemon juice), and then use a soft cloth to rub the mixture onto your coins. Let the mixture sit on the coins for a few minutes before rinsing them with clean water.

Materials Needed

• Baking soda
• Vinegar (or lemon juice)
• Soft cloth
• Clean water

Soap and Water

The most basic way to clean your coins is with soap and water. All you need is a block of mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Simply create a soapy solution in a bowl and drop your coins in. Let them soak for a few minutes before using a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any dirt or grime. Once satisfied, rinse the coins under cool running water and dry them with a soft cloth.

Materials Needed

• Mild dish soap
• Lukewarm water
• Soft-bristled brush
• Soft cloth

Olive Oil

With olive oil, you can place the pennies into a bowl and add enough olive oil to cover them. Allow them to soak for 10 minutes, then use a microfiber cloth to buff the pennies until they shine.

Fill another bowl with warm water and a block of mild dish soap. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the soapy water, then use it to wipe down each penny. Rinse the pennies with clean water, then dry them with a soft cloth.

Materials Needed

• Olive oil
• Bowl
• Microfiber cloth
• Mild dish soap
• Warm soapy water

Cola Copper Penny Soak

This is a straightforward way to clean your copper coins; all you need is a can of cola!

Drop your pennies into the can and leave them to soak for 10 minutes.

After this time, remove them from the cola and rinse them in clean water.

You should see that the cola has helped to remove some of the grime and dirt from your coins.

Materials Needed

• Coca-cola can
• Plastic container
• Soft cloth
• Warm, clean water

Isopropyl Alcohol

Use 70% isopropyl alcohol for best results. Apply the alcohol to a clean rag, then rub the coin until it shines. You can also pour alcohol into a small dish and drop the coins for about 5 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub any grime or dirt on the coin’s surface.

Materials Needed 

• 70% isopropyl alcohol
• Rag
• Small dish
• Toothbrush

You Can Use Sand

As you hear, Sand can clean your copper coins, which helps many clean things. All you have to do is pour some sand into a small container, then add water and stir until the water turns brown.

After that, put your coins in the mixture and leave them for about 5 minutes.

After that, use a toothbrush to scrub off the dirt and rinse them with clean water.

Materials Needed

• Sand
• Water
• Small Container
• Toothbrush

Commercial Coins Copper Cleaning

There are many ways to clean coins, but some methods are more effective than others. I mentioned above some of my techniques to clean your copper coins; now, we will discover some beneficial products that can help you in this process:

Goo Gone

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Goo Gone is the best way and a product found at most hardware stores that effectively removes the tarnish from your copper coins.

Materials Needed

• Bottle of Goo Gone
• Soft towel or Paper towel
• Soft dry cloth

How to Use Goo Gone:

1. First, you must purchase some Goo Gone from your local hardware store.
2. Once you have the Goo Gone, you will need to apply it to a clean cloth.
3. Then rub the tarnished areas of your coin.
4. You may need to use a little pressure to get the desired results.

If the dirt is still in your coins, you can use one of the methods I mentioned above after using the Goo Gone, like the soap and water or the eraser method.

Part Cleaner

The 2-part Cleaner is a product you will need to mix before using. It can be found online or at some hardware stores.

Materials Needed

• 1 part of Zinc Chloride
• 1 Part Hydrochloric Acid
• Beaker or cup to mix the chemicals in

How to Use the 2-Part Cleaner:

1. To use the 2- part cleaning method, you will need to purchase the 2-part Cleaner from an online store or your local hardware store.
2. Once you have the 2-part Cleaner, you will need to mix it according to the directions on the package.
3. Then apply it to a clean cloth.
4. Next, rub the tarnished areas of your coin with the cloth until the dirt comes off.
5. You may need to apply a little pressure to get the desired results.

If the dirt is still in your coins, you can use one of the methods I mentioned above after using the 2-part Cleaner like the soap and water or the eraser method.

Tarn-X

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Tarn-X is a product that can be found online or at some hardware stores. It is very effective in removing the tarnish from your copper coins.

Materials Needed

• Tarn-X
• Towel or paper towel
• Soft dry cloth

How to Use Tarn-X:

1. First, you must purchase some Tarn-X from your local hardware store or online.
2. Once you have the Tarn-X, you will need to apply it to a clean cloth.
3. Then rub the tarnished areas of your coin with the fabric.
4. You may need to use a little pressure to get the desired results.