Identifying cleaned coins

[mavmd]

Often the more experienced members among you will very quickly identify a particular coin as having been cleaned, however I'm struggling to find any common traits. I can understand a cleaned coin may have a lot of slight marks going in the same direction, but other than that I'm at a loss

What are the most common pieces of evidence for cleaning and if you have a picture to demonstrate what you mean that would be fantastic

Thanks

Matt

[SWANNY]

I,m no expert , but I think cleaning ruins the surface of the coin , creating what looks like small scratch marks

[PWA 1967]

Only buying copper/bronze a lot have an almost pink colour due to spending to long in something acidic such as vinegar.

The small scratches is a giveaway along with the fields being different to the devices such as lettering etc.

[1949threepence]

Only buying copper/bronze a lot have an almost pink colour due to spending to long in something acidic such as vinegar.

The small scratches is a giveaway along with the fields being different to the devices such as lettering etc.

Indeed, Pete. This coin is no longer in my possession, but it had been cleaned. That was even more obvious in the hand, than on the pic. Note, as you say above, the pinkish tinge.

[1949threepence]

Another one here, cleaned in a different way. Look at the reverse. Looks as though someone has taken a scourer to it, with the fine lines running South West to North East.

Edited November 18, 2015 by 1949threepence

[Rob]

Not to be confused with die polishing lines which are raised on the coin (incuse on the die). They are alright.

[RLC35]

Not to be confused with die polishing lines which are raised on the coin (incuse on the die). They are alright.

You are right about die polishing lines. Those are generally only found on higher grade coins. After a coin is circulated, die polishing lines tend to be the first part of the coin to wear (out).