Clean or leave? Silver pre decimal Australian

DJBurton85

New Member
Hey guys,

So I have a collection of silver pre decimal Australian coins. I understand that you have to be careful with the method of cleaning coins but am curious... is it worth cleaning them? Some of them are very badly tarnished and look horrible but are still in good condition. If I decide later to part with some, should I leave them as is and place them in coin flips as is? Or can I give them a careful clean with a mild abrasive substance like a water and bi-carb soda paste, gently rubbing and so forth? So people can see the condition better.

I'm probably asking the most obvious question. I also tried searching for this answer but the answers are a little grey as most say to leave it because most stuff it up.
 
Easy...

Is worth more then spot? Yes = do not clean, no = have some fun and clean away

my fav method is cloudy ammonia ~20mins, no scrubbing and dry with towel after rinsing
 
Best I leave them then. What about PVC damage? Are there home remedies? I'm concerned if I place them with other good coins then they could contaminate the rest.
 
A collection or an accumulation?

Is it 'worth' cleaning them? Probably not. It will not increase their value. If they are junk, then they will sell for a small % over spot whether they are clean or dirty. If they are in better condition collectors will insist that you have ruined them.

You will end up spending time and money on a task that could ultimately reduce their value.

Dirt I would remove, tarnish I would leave.

Flips or 2x2s I wouldn't bother with unless they are in uncirculated condition.

Without pictures it is hard to say.
 
PVC residue is best removed ASAP with acetone. The damage is done but you can prevent further damage.
 
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