What do you use to keep pennies from rusting?

Answer

Vinegar. Let it soak and you have a shiny penny. But see below!!!

Answer

I don't think vinegar will keep your pennies from "rusting" -- it may make them shiny though.

Better to let them soak in olive oil. This will also loosen up any corrosion on the surface, so that you can gently remove it. And it will leave a protective coating on the coin that will help protect it from the elements.

The best way to prevent future "rust" is to first remove any foreign material on the coin that may interact with the metal, then put the coin into an airtight protective holder, and finally store the coin in a cool DRY place.

Answer

The olive oil is probably the best corrosion preventive that can be safely used on copper coins, but it WILL cause a color change, so it would be unwise to use it on a valuable uncirculated coin. I bought a couple of rolls of steel cents that had been "preserved" with WD40 and stored in airtight tubes for several years. I had to cut the tubes off and soak the coins in lighter fluid to get them apart!

Answer

Unless the coins are just general circulation cents, you shouldn't try to clean them!! If a coin has any numismatic value above its face value, trying to clean it at home will almost always damage the coin and reduce its value. Go to a hobby shop and you can get holders that will keep the coins airtight and reduce the amount of oxidation (see below) that occurs.

P.S. "Rust" normally refers to iron or steel combining with oxygen to form a flaky brownish material, so only 1943 cents can truly be said to rust. Copper cents do oxidize, however.

First answer by Lkysmy. Last edit by JayKay. Contributor trust: 1073 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 37 [recommend question]