Bitcoin Forum

I just thought I'd share this tip. I collect redeemed Casascius coins, so its easier for me to clean the whole thing. You could still do it this way w/the hologram in-tact, I guess, but you'd have to be really careful.
Anyways, Ketchup. Ketchup is a great brass polisher (Casascius 1BTC and .5BTC coins are made out of brass-I don't think you want to rub ketchup all over your silver coin if you have one). A good ketchup rub-down turned my lack-luster, finger-print evident coin into a literally brand-new looking one. Pretty cool!

Personally I'd be too afraid to do this. The smudges and dirt add character  ;)

Lol if you say so. I can see my reflection in that brass now!

Wouldn't vinegar or a similarly acidic substance work as well? I'm assuming it's the acidity of the ketchup doing the work here of course...

That's a great tip, thanks JW. One would think that with the high sugar content, it would leave the coin really sticky and something like a dirt magnet.

Good to know! Have you any tips on how to shine up some white gold?

i heard toothpaste is a good polishing... but i dont take any responsibility.

Take a whitening toothpaste and polish with a cloth (not toothbrush) - works fine.

You are correct, but ketchup is nice because it is acidic - but not too acidic, it sticks to the surface, it's easy to see where it is and when it's cleaned off, most people have it in their home and it's cheap.