A rock tumbler can effectively be used to clean coins. In fact, a rock tumbler is one of the most efficient ways to clean corroded coins. A rock tumbler should not be used to clean coins with a significant or sentimental value due to the abrasive way the coins are cleaned.
If you are into metal detecting like I am you have probably been digging up and cleaning coins for years. Many of your coins are probably corroded, and really dirty. So how are you going to get them back into circulation so you can cash them in? A rock tumbler can definitely clean corroded coins.. But many of you are searching for answers based on the questions below and I’m going to answer all them in this article.
- What is the fastest way to clean corroded coins?
- What is the most efficient way to clean corroded coins?
- Should you clean coins that have a monetary or sentimental value?
- Can a Rock Tumbler be used to clean coins?
- What are some of the best Rock Tumblers?
- How do you clean metal detected coins?
- How do you clean clad coins?
- How do you clean a coin without damaging it?
Like I mentioned earlier, you can easily clean corroded coins with a rock tumbler. Using a rock tumbler is one of the easiest methods I have used and continue to use today. Rock tumblers will remove the dirt and the corrosion from just about anything but they work really well on corroded and dirty coins. But before you try using a rock tumbler to clean your coins read the next section. There are times when you shouldn’t use a rock tumbler. Let me explain further.
Should You Clean Coins That Have Value (Monetarily or a Sentimental Value)?
Chances are if the coin you are cleaning has a significant monetary value or has some sentimental value, you probably don’t want to use a rock tumbler to clean it.
Rock tumblers use what is call Rock Tumbler Grit which can be very abrasive. Rock tumbler grit can contain small rocks, pebbles or other material that slowly tumbles along and against your coins. As the grit rubs against the coins, the grit will eventually take off the corrosion and dirt. I prefer to use fish tank rocks for my rock tumbler grit. Fish tank rocks are inexpensive and you can reuse them over and over.
How Long Does The Tumbling Process Take?
The entire rock tumbling process usually takes a couple hours to complete. If you are concerned about losing detail or losing quality in the coin DO NOT use a rock tumbler. While this process is fast and efficient it will ruin or devalue rare or valuable coins. But if you are cleaning modern clad coins that you found while metal detecting, using a rock tumbler is the way to go.
Once You Begin The Coin Cleaning Process There is NO Turning Back!
One thing to keep in mind is that there are hundreds of techniques out there on how to clean coins. But cleaning coins can be risky. Once you start down a path there is no turning back. If you screw up, you can’t go back and fix it. If you want my advice do your homework on the technique you want to try and test it out on a coin that holds no value to you. Some of my best coins have only been cleaned with a “dry” toothbrush, a toothpick and nothing more. I hardly ever clean a rare coin or one that is on my bucket list to find. Do you have a favorite technique you prefer to clean old coins? If so, leave a comment below.
Cleaning Corroded Coins with a Rock Tumbler Gets The Job Done!
If you decide to clean your coins a rock tumbler is the fastest and most efficient way to get your coins back in spending shape. It really is the quickest and most efficient way get your coins to a Coin Star so you can cash them in to buy yourself another piece of metal detecting gear or equipment. In only takes a couple hours for rock tumbler to clean your coins and get them back in into circulation.
See The Cleaning Process Step-By-Step With Results.
Here is a video I made where I walk you through the entire process of cleaning coins with a rock tumbler. I happen to be using the Lortone Model 3A (Amazon link). As you will see in the video below, this process works incredibly well.
What are The Best Rock Tumblers Used to Clean Corroded Coins?
I own a Lortone Rock Tumbler but there are so many choices out there. You can’t go wrong with a Lortone but stay away from the really cheap knockoffs. The knockoffs will not last as long. I’ve owned a Lortone for over 6 years and its still going strong and I highly recommend owning one (My advice: Spend a few extra dollars on a Lortone).
Depending on the size and capacity your are looking for, Lortone offers several different models to choose from. The one I own [Lortone 3A Single Barrel] holds 3 lbs of coins and the capacity of other models goes up from there. Whether you pick the one I have or purchase a bigger model, they are all really easy to use and simple to operate. I’ll provide links (below) to Amazon so you can compare their capacity and price. If you are interested in a step-by-step guide from start to finish using a rock tumbler, leave me a comment.
The Best Lortone Rock Tumblers and Their Capacities.
| Lortone 3A Single Barrel 3 lb Capacity | Lortone Tumbler-4.5lb Capacity |
| Lortone 33B 6 lb Capacity | Lortone QT 12 lb Capacity |
Was This Article Helpful?
I hope the information I shared about cleaning old coins was helpful. If you have a favorite technique you use to clean coins, please share it in a comment below so we can all learn or try something new.
Looking For More Metal Detecting Gear?
I’ve also written about some of the other metal detecting gear I own or have used. Check out these articles:
- My 6 Best Metal Detecting Shovels
- A Great and Inexpensive Detecting Bag
- Is The XP MI-6 Pin Pointer Really That Good?
- Underwater Metal Detecting With The XP Deus
- Looking For a Lightweight Metal Detecting Harness?
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