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In a message dated 7/25/2004 10:55:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
treegoddess@... writes:

> >>{It cleans the gunk off of pennies pretty well too. }
> >
> >[Have you actually done this? What made you use coca cola?]
>
> My friends and I would clean pennies with packets of Taco Bell sauce
> during class because we were bored silly. It really does clean them
> well!!!! LOL
> -Tracy-
>

I collect coins, and I've always used a coin cleaner on most coins, but lemon
juice seems to work better on pennies. If I have a stubborn spot or a bit of
corrosion, I just use a bit of baking soda as a mild abrasive.

Peace,
Sang


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Fetteroll

on 7/26/04 12:21 AM, Sanguinegirl83@... at Sanguinegirl83@... wrote:

> I collect coins, and I've always used a coin cleaner on most coins, but lemon
> juice seems to work better on pennies. If I have a stubborn spot or a bit of
> corrosion, I just use a bit of baking soda as a mild abrasive.

Generally collectible coins you're not supposed to clean since old coins are
supposed to look old and new coins you don't want to scratch or pit. If
there's gunk on them (as opposed to the patina of age) the About.com guy
(and many others) suggests distilled water, distilled water and a bit of
soap, olive oil soak, rubbing alcohol or vaseline.

So, don't drink distilled water.

Don't drink soapy water.

Don't eat (or drink!) olive oil.

Don't drink rubbing alcohol.

And don't eat Vaseline,

since they're all used as cleaning substances.

One site recommended hot melt glue to get into crevices and then pull it off
when it hardens.

So don't eat that either.

http://coins.about.com/od/novicecollectors/qt/cleaning.htm
> In most cases coins should not be cleaned at all as doing so may reduce a
> coin's numismatic value. If cleaning is advisable, here are some steps to
> follow.
>
> Consult a coin dealer or other coin expert to assist you in deciding whether
> cleaning a particular coin is a good idea. When in doubt, do not clean the
> coin at all. If you decide to clean a coin, first try out any coin cleaning
> method on a cheap coin to see the results.
>
> Always use non-abrasive cleaners such as rubbing alcohol or olive oil to clean
> coins. Commercial jewelry and metal polishes are usually too harsh. Rinse the
> coins with distilled water after cleaning. Tap water should not be used as it
> contains minerals which may create spots. Tarnished coins should only be
> cleaned (if at all) by a professional using a process known as "dripping". Let
> coins air-dry after cleaning - never rub a coin dry.
>
> Soaking in olive oil or mild soapy water can often safely remove dirt or other
> substances adhering to a coin. Specially made commercial coin cleaners are
> available at most coin supply shops but tend to be rather expensive.

Joyce

TreeGoddess

On Jul 26, 2004, at 12:21 AM, Sanguinegirl83@... wrote:

>> [My friends and I would clean pennies with packets of Taco Bell sauce
>> during class because we were bored silly. It really does clean them
>> well!!!! LOL]
>
> -=-I collect coins, and I've always used a coin cleaner on most coins,
> but lemon
> juice seems to work better on pennies. If I have a stubborn spot or a
> bit of
> corrosion, I just use a bit of baking soda as a mild abrasive.-=-

Yeah, I suppose that would all work too, but I didn't actually care
about getting pennies really clean ... I was just passing time in high
school waiting for the bell to ring. I had packets of Taco Bell sauce,
but I didn't carry lemon juice or baking soda with me. ;)
-Tracy-

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In a message dated 7/26/04 2:13:44 AM, fetteroll@... writes:

<< One site recommended hot melt glue to get into crevices and then pull it
off
when it hardens.

<<So don't eat that either. >>

I think at least wait until it's cold if you have a serious urge to eat it.

Sandra

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In a message dated 7/26/04 5:28:42 AM, treegoddess@... writes:

<< I didn't actually care
about getting pennies really clean ... I was just passing time in high
school waiting for the bell to ring. I had packets of Taco Bell sauce,
but I didn't carry lemon juice or baking soda with me. ;) >>

One day in fourth grade some of us polished pennies with the mercury from a
broken thermometer. One of the kids had brought a little plastic box with the
mercury rolling around in there in little balls. It was GLORIOUS. It didn't
stick to the plastic, just to itself, but we were able to make it stick to
the pennies by rubbing it on with our fingers. They looked like dimes!

Of course we had mercury-coated fingertips, and there was only cold water in
the bathroom, and we couldn't have asked the teacher for help because then we
would get in trouble for coating pennies instead of paying attention.

But that's okay. We had no idea mercury was bad for us, so we just went to
lunch and ate and didn't wash our hands until we got home, or the next day, or
whenever.

The pennies were pretty, and it was fun, but I don't recommend it.

Sandra