Should I Clean My Coins Before Selling?
Thinking of cleaning your coins before selling? Expert advice reveals why preserving their original state maximizes their worth.
When preparing coins for sale, a common question arises: should they be cleaned to enhance their appearance? While the natural inclination is to make items look their best, numismatic experts consistently advise against cleaning coins before selling them. Cleaning almost invariably diminishes a coin’s value. This guidance stems from the rigorous standards applied in the coin market.
Reasons Not to Clean Coins
A primary reason to avoid cleaning coins is to preserve their “patina” or “toning.” This natural surface layer develops over time from environmental exposure and can appear in various colors. Patina is a highly desirable characteristic for collectors, serving as evidence of a coin’s authenticity, age, and undisturbed history. It also forms a protective layer, indicating originality.
Cleaning a coin, regardless of the method, removes this original surface and is an irreversible alteration. Numismatists and professional graders prioritize coins that retain their original mint state and undisturbed surfaces. Removing patina disrupts the natural aging process, destroying part of the coin’s historical integrity. Collectors value coins in their original condition, however dirty they might appear.
The Impact of Cleaning on Coin Value
Cleaning coins directly reduces their monetary value due to the physical damage inflicted. Even seemingly gentle methods, whether chemical or abrasive, leave microscopic scratches, often called “hairlines,” and alter the coin’s original luster. These alterations are frequently not visible to the naked eye but become apparent under magnification, which is standard practice in professional coin evaluation.
Professional coin grading services, such as PCGS and NGC, can easily detect cleaned coins. When a coin is identified as cleaned, it typically receives a significantly lower grade or a “cleaned” designation, such as “Genuine-Cleaned.” This drastically reduces its market value. A cleaned coin may be worth a fraction of its uncleaned counterpart, with values potentially decreasing by 20-50% or more, depending on the coin’s rarity and the severity of the cleaning.
Recommended Actions Before Selling Coins
Before selling coins, proper handling is essential to preserve their current condition and value. Always hold coins by their edges to prevent transferring oils, dirt, or fingerprints from your skin, which can permanently damage the surface. Consider wearing lint-free cotton gloves for added protection when handling valuable pieces.
For basic dust removal, use extremely gentle, non-abrasive methods, such as a soft brush or compressed air, and explicitly avoid wiping or rubbing the coin’s surface. The best approach is to seek professional appraisal or authentication from reputable numismatists or grading services before attempting any sale. Experts can accurately assess a coin’s condition and determine its market value. Proper storage in non-PVC holders or archival-safe materials is also recommended to protect the coin from environmental damage until it is sold.