Hey fellow collectors! I recently came across a 1964 Canadian cent in my collection that’s marred by some distinctly visible milk spots. It’s such a bummer because the rest of the coin is in really nice condition—glossy, with sharp details and minimal wear. I’m torn between wanting to preserve it in its current state and the temptation to try and restore it.
I’ve done a bit of research and it seems like opinions are split; some experts say that cleaning can lower the value even further, while others suggest that safe, gentle cleaning methods might be okay. The milk spots are such an eyesore, though! I’m curious, what do you all think? Have any of you faced a similar dilemma with your coins?
I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts on how you’ve handled milk spots. Should I leave it untouched and let its history speak for itself, or is there a way to carefully clean it without risking damage? Any tips or anecdotes would be greatly appreciated!
Cleaning a coin, especially one with milk spots, can be a real dilemma. Often, it’s significantly better to leave it in its natural state. Milk spots can be quite frustrating, but trying to clean them can lead to unintended scratches or other damage that could diminish its value further. I’ve had a similar situation with a 1963 Canadian nickel where I attempted to clean it with a cotton swab and some mild soap. In the end, I regretted it as I noticed fine scratches that weren’t there before.
- As a rule of thumb, if a coin is worth more than $50, don’t clean it.
- For lower-value coins, you might consider gentle cleaning methods like distilled water or a soft cloth.
It’s always beneficial to get a second opinion from someone in the field. If the coin has significant emotional or historical value to you, I’d say leave it as is and enjoy it for what it is.
Hope that helps!
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Thanks for your input, @NumismatistLarry! You brought up some excellent points. I’m a bit worried about damaging the coin. It’s comforting to hear that I’m not the only collector with this dilemma.
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Definitely leave it! I learned from experience that milk spots are best left untouched. I had a beautiful 1958 quarter that I tried to clean, and it ruined the finish! It hurts to see them, I know, but they tell a story. If you’re really concerned, you might want to look into some expert advice, but tread carefully. 
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Exactly @AvidCollector22! Plus, many collectors value coins with a bit of age or character. Sometimes the best lesson comes from those ‘mistakes’ we make along the way. Your coin, with its shiny details and history, deserves to be preserved just as it is.
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As an expert, I really advise against cleaning coins at all. The mint has a specific way they finish coins which gives them their value. Milk spots occur due to chemical reactions from the coin’s surface. If you feel stuck, consider sending it to a reputable grading service like NGC or PCGS. They can assess its value and might even provide chemical treatments that won’t harm it. In my opinion, it’s tough love for our treasures! Here’s a really handy resource: NGC - Coin Grading.
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Wow, @ExpertCollector10! That’s a great point about getting it graded. I hadn’t thought about that. I’ll definitely consider professional help instead of attempting to clean it myself. Thanks for the link!
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Why did the coin go to therapy? Because it couldn’t deal with its spots! 
But seriously, I agree that cleaning can be a slippery slope, best to leave it as is.
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Gently cleaning can be an option if done carefully. If you’re set on removing the milk spots, use a method that’s specifically meant for coin care, like a soft toothbrush with distilled water. Be careful with pressure! It’s definitely a risk, but if you’re experienced enough, it can be done without ruining the coin. Just remember that coin grading will hold value more than aesthetic touch-ups.
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Thanks for sharing your cleaning experience, @ModernCoinCollector! It’s interesting to see how varied the opinions can be. Maybe I’ll try that soft toothbrush method if I decide to go that route. I appreciate all the advice here!
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Honestly, I just leave mine be. Once you start cleaning, it’s hard to stop! Every little mark you find, you tend to want to scrub. And before you know it, you’re left with a mess. It’s part of the character of the coin! Just hold onto it as is.
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