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That’s because cola has acid in it – phosphoric acid, to be precise. Most colas have a pH of 2.5-3.5. When the copper oxide (the pennies) and the phosphoric acid (the cola) get together in the bath, the acid reacts with the copper oxide on the pennies and dissolves it. That’s why the pennies get shiny.
What soda cleans pennies the best?
Coke and off-brand colas will quickly remove the tarnish. Just don’t drink the coke afterward. Coke contains phosphoric acid that cleans the oxides. Try a variety of citrus juices to see which works best or simply let your pennies soak in lemon juice.
Can you clean a penny with Coke?
How can I clean old coins? Simply place one coin in a glass or tub and pour coke over the top, enough so that it is fully submerged in the liquid. Leave the coin to soak for about 5 minutes or so and then check on its condition. If you feel that it needs longer, you can soak it for up to 15 minutes.
What makes Coke clean coins?
Our cola contains phosphoric acid which is why cola is acidic. The acid reacts with the oxide rusty coating that has covered our coins and returns them back to almost as good as new.
Why does Coke clean pennies for kids?
The soda cleans the pennies because it contains phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid breaks down the copper oxygen compound and causes a new layer of the copper to be exposed.
How much is a 1943 steel penny worth?
Value of a 1943 Steel Penny They are worth about 10 to 13 cents each in circulated condition, and as much as 50 cents or more if uncirculated.
Why does ketchup clean pennies the best?
Ketchup contains vinegar, a weak acid, which breaks down the copper oxide on the surface of the penny. The salt in the ketchup goes on to add dissolved chloride ions to the mix. These ions bond with the copper, forming copper chloride. The copper chloride helps the vinegar further break down the copper oxide.
Why does lemon juice clean a penny?
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic and will remove the copper oxide, leaving the pennies shiny. Though a soap and water solution is good at cleaning many things, it does not contain an acid and does not clean the pennies as well.
How do you make pennies shiny?
Copper oxide dissolves in acid though! Vinegar is a very weak acid on its own, but mixing vinegar and salt creates a slightly stronger acid that will eat away all the copper oxide, and leave you with a nice, shiny penny!.
Why do pennies turn black?
When oxygen binds with copper, they form a new molecule known as copper oxide. Copper oxide is brownish or sometimes black in color (depending on other things in the penny’s environment). This is why most pennies you see look dirty or tarnished—it’s not actually dirt but copper oxide that makes them look so dull.
What soda does to gold?
Because gold is a soft metal, it is easily scratched even with a light abrasive like baking soda.
Does Mountain Dew clean pennies?
And by doing that why 7up, Coke, Root beer, and Mountain Dew dissolves a penny also. Thanks! Theoretically, yes, it will dissolve a penny, if you left it in for YEARS, and kept replenishing the Coke with fresh Coke.
Does Coke make pennies shiny?
Most colas have a pH of 2.5-3.5. When the copper oxide (the pennies) and the phosphoric acid (the cola) get together in the bath, the acid reacts with the copper oxide on the pennies and dissolves it. That’s why the pennies get shiny.
Can Coke dissolve a tooth?
No, Coca-Cola will not dissolve a tooth overnight. There is a small amount of edible acid present in many foods, including fruit juices and soft drinks such as Coca-Cola.
Can Pepsi clean a penny?
Dark colas like Coke and Pepsi actually contain phosphor in the form of phosphoric acid. This acid breaks down the copper-oxygen compound chemical bonds allowing a fresh unoxidized layer of copper to be exposed. The copper which is removed from the surface of the pennies ends up in the cola in the form of copper ions.
Why does vinegar and salt clean pennies?
The combination of vinegar (a weak solution of acetic acid), and table salt (sodium chloride) helps to dissolve the copper oxide, and also forms the blue copper(II) ion, which is soluble in water. The penny becomes shiny again!.
What penny is worth $100000?
In 1943, there was a shortage in copper that was normally used to make Lincoln Cents, so instead of copper, the U.S. Mint used zinc coated steel planchets. These were only used for 1943. A few copper planchets were mistakingly used in 1943, and these coins are worth a lot of money.
What is the rarest wheat penny?
Most Valuable Wheat Pennies 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – $500,000. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny – $100,000. 1914 D Wheat Penny – $10,000. 1922 D Wheat Penny – $6,000. 1926 Wheat Penny – $4,000.
How much is a flying eagle penny worth?
Today, a circulated 1857 Flying Eagle penny grading is worth around $30, and uncirculated pieces are worth around $225 and up. As with all Flying Eagle pennies in the higher grades, be sure to purchase as a certified and authenticated variety, since counterfeits of these early small cents are growing.
Does dish soap clean pennies?
Soap. Cleaning your old coins with gentle dish soap and water can loosen some of that built-up dirt. Fill a small plastic container with warm water, add a few drops of mild soap, immerse the coins, and rub with your fingers or a soft toothbrush to clean.
Why does taco sauce clean pennies?
When the salt and the vinegar are mixed together, the salt dissolves in the vinegar solution and breaks down into sodium and chloride ions. The chloride ions then combine with the copper in the penny to remove the tarnish or copper oxide from the surface of the penny.
How do you clean old coins without devaluing them?
Baking soda and vinegar have proven to be one of the most effective ways to clean tarnished coins. Submerge the coins in a shallow bath of vinegar and let them soak for at least an hour. If you don’t have vinegar on hand, filtered tap or distilled water can be used as a substitute.
