cleaning pressed pennies

[irisheyesliz]

We just got back and have a lot of pressed pennies. What's the best way to shine them up? Also how do you display them? I saw a plastic pressed penny book at WDW but wanted something a little nicer.

I also wanted to say thanks to everyone for their tips. This was our first trip and I was so prepared!
Thanks

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

We soaked ours in diet coke. Worked pretty well.

 

[mickeysaver]

Soak them in ketchup and then give them a light coating of clear fingernail polish to prevent further oxidation issues. Mickey

 

[Otto's Doll]

My DH used Tarni-shield. He actually researched this ahead of time, found out that pennies from before 1982 were the best ones to use (still made of copper at the time) and cleaned a ton of them, and just kept them handy in film canisters so he always had one ready to use when he was near a pressed penny machine.
We had fun going to the different resorts to find the ones that he and the kids wanted.

Otto's Doll

 

[Rapunsel]

The pressed pennie books that they sell at WDW are great!!! I found out by trial and error that Vinegar works best in cleaning the pennies. I just put them in a little dish.. Used and old toohbrush to swirl them around and Presto.. They look brand new. Even the ones from 1969... So we are taking pennies from pre-1982 and they look as good as a 2003 one.

 

[Keebles]

Just wondering...how long do you leave them in the vinegar?

 

[Rapunsel]

I just leave them in for 24 hours and then clean them with an old toothbrush.. Then if they are still 'dirty' I soak them longer....

 

[mathboy]

A quick easy way to clean pennies is to use the eraser on a regular pencil and erase them clean.

 

[BlkBearSuz]

Do these tips for cleaning pressed pennies work for pressed quarters too? I find mine are looking rather dingy now. Thanks.

Sue

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Another tip I got from a coin collector is to add table salt to white vinegar. It eats through tough build up. Just be sure to rinse the coins well after 10-20 minute soak to prevent damage. 1 tsp. salt to 1/2 cup white vinegar.

 

[DeDixie]

We use the salt and vinegar also, works great