Is it safe to polish my 90% silver coins with silver polish?

Question

Is it safe to polish my 90% silver coins with silver polish?

Answer 1

If these coins are the Walking Liberties that you have, you might not want to use the silver polish.

Coin Collectors usually like having a silver patina on the coins.

Silver polish has a chance of eating away at the top layers of the silver, diminishing the value of the coin.

If you want to wash away some grit that is on the coins, use a warm cup of water mix a few drops of regular dish washing soap to soak the coins overnight. You can then use a soft cloth to wipe away any loose grit and then rise the coin. Pat dry the coins and let them dry completely.

I would suggest storing the coins in an air tight coin holder or a cardboard coin holder so that they do not tarnish later and do not get scratched/worn.

Check out your local hobby store, pawn shop, or ebay coin supplies for the coin holders.

Answer 2

probably

Answer 3

I don't see why not.

Answer 4

The best answer is no.  Most dealers and collectors of coins prefer to buy coins that haven't been cleaned.  Cleaning coins almost always decrease the value of a coin.  Collectors and dealer who are okay with cleaned coins at all typically prefer that the cleaning be done professionally so that they don't look cleaned.  That said, silver polish is not a good way of cleaning coins.  

Silver 'dips' are typically used to allow for the smallest amount of silver to be removed.  Rubbing silver coins with any type of cloth will almost always damage the coins and they will look cleaned, which will decrease their value dramatically.

Answer 5

Are they for "pretty" or are they part of a serious collection?

If they're just for "pretty", sure, polish them and thoroughly rinse off any residual polish.  Some folk put clear lacquer on keep 'em shiny longer.  Storing in anti-tarnish cloth is also helpful or even in individual ziplocks with all extra air evacuated.  Some polishes are safe for the coins, but not safe for people or pets.

If they're part of a serious collection, greater care should be used to avoid scratching and wearing away the silver.

Answer 6

I think it would be fine. But I'd try a tiny test area on one of the lower value coins first. If it's fine, then proceed.