Why does cleaning collectible coins decrease their value?

Question

I have read many comments on these boards stating that you should NEVER clean a collectible coin using ANY method, because doing so would decrease it's value by at least half. Nobody ever says why. Why wouldn't a clean coin be worth more than one covered with tar, body oils, and gutter slime?

Answer 1

We coin collectors are a strange bunch, but like things the way they come. A coin that is nice and bright with little detail and lots of scratches does not really look that good up close. The problem with cleaning coins is it has to actually be done by someone that knows what they are doing. Tar, body oils and grease as well as green slime can be removed but one must know how and what chemicals to use, so the coin will not be damaged further. Most people that clean coins make the coin worse than it was in the first place. Metal does tarnish and we collectors know that and don't mind it, for we can not stop it anyway. I have some dimes and nickels that have toned blue or red and look fantastic. So you see it boils down to knowing what you are doing and also knowing when there is nothing one can do.

Answer 2

The problem is coin condition. Cleaning agents are abrasive or can damage the surface color of the coin. If its got gunk or whatever, the damage is already done therefore the value is what it is. But if you try to clean it, you may get the gunk off but it will more likely do more damage and you will lose even more value to the coin.

It may also have historical value depending on the case. Its best not to mess with a coin's condition unless you are a professional.

Answer 3

In general, when selling antiques and other valuable items; when you clean something you are damaging it.  And when an item is not cleaned the patina that builds up on it is an indication of its true age.

Things that are too clean are often fakes. It is difficult to fake the build up of dirt and grim that come with the passage of time.

Collectors can acess the age of something better if it is not cleaned.

If the buyer wants the item cleaned, let them do it.  This also saves you as a seller from having to bother with that.

Answer 4

well, if some famous people has touch it, it has a special value so if you clean them, they fade.