Cleaning a 1889 Silver Dollar Without Damage

If you're an avid coin collector or perhaps just starting to collect these coins, you need to know on how to go about cleaning a 1889 silver dollar without destroying the value of the coin. Silver can acquire black scale in the form of tarnish quite easily. Hence, there are things to bear in mind if you want to keep your silver coins looking bright and new without damaging them.

There are many people who don't know how to clean coins without resorting to chemicals. And it's a good idea to check with more experienced collectors or coin shops before proceeding with cleaning a 1889 silver dollar at all. Cleaning a rare coin can at times lower the value and hurt your investment. Therefore proceed with caution.

Once you decide to go ahead with the cleaning keep in mind that there are natural means to clean it that won't harm the coin. And many of these cleaning solutions are readily available in most homes. And if not, they are easily purchased.

Using Distilled Water for Cleaning a 1889 Silver Dollar

One of the things that you can try when it comes to cleaning a 1889 silver dollar is by utilizing distilled water. The distilled water has no minerals in it. You can find that many coins have mineral deposits that need to be dissolved. You need to leave your tarnished coins soaking in it for at least twenty four hours and then scrub your coin with a toothbrush. In doing this, you need to be quite gentle. And if necessary, you can repeat the process over the course of a week.

You might also want to try distilled water that has been warmed first and then add a small amount of mild dish washing detergent. You can also rub the coins with your fingertips and leave them in the water for a few hours. With this method, never use a toothbrush or any brush for that matter. Only rub gently with your fingers.

Olive Oil for Cleaning a 1889 Silver Dollar

Another way to clean a 1889 silver dollar is by using olive oil. It can be poured in a container and the coins soaked in it for about four months. It's advisable that you check on it at least once a month in order to change the oil if it's becoming discolored.

Once the coins are clean, you need to rinse them with warm water before patting dry. Although it may take some time, this process can easily clean the coins and the results are quite impressive.

Clean Your 1889 Silver Dollar with Vinegar

A slightly harsher cleaning solution is white vinegar to remove tarnish from the coins. It's required that the coins be soaked in the solution for up to an hour and scrubbed gently with your fingers or a very soft toothbrush. Keep in mind that this is an acidic solution so don't leave the coins in it for very long. You can also mix the vinegar with baking soda in order to remove even more stubborn stains.

These are the three ways to try for cleaning a 1889 silver dollar without the use of chemicals. With these materials, cleaning the coins can be easier that you might think. Therefore, take a moment and learn more about how to clean your coins effectively or not at all if that is the professional recommendation.