What is the best way to clean copper pennies?

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I read somewhere that copper pennies can be cleaned by soaking them in olive oil, but some collectors recommend not to clean coins.

Another great way to clean pennies is to use a solution of vinegar and salt. Fill a cup about 1/4 of vinegar and a teaspoon of salt (more salt, faster reaction). The tarnish that forms on a penny is copper oxide. The salt and vinegar create an acid solution that causes the copper oxide to dissolve off the coins. Once they are clean they should have their original shiny coat. Remember though, if there are pits in the pennies they will show now that the oxide has been removed. If you don't have vinegar any acid such as lemon juice will work as well. ***FIGHTERMAGE***

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First answer by Denisec. Last edit by Fightermage. Contributor trust: 87 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 27 [recommend question]

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