Detecting Cleaned Coins

On this page, you'll learn how to detect cleaning, erasering and other forms of mistreatment on coins, even from pictures on eBay. As for counterfeiting, I can't help you there.

Detecting cleaned coins:
Do you suspect a coin has been cleaned? First, look for dirt caked around the raised surfaces on the coin, as shown below. These are the spots often missed by sloppy cleaning jobs.

Do you see the dirt around the rim, date, and details? But sometimes a coin fails to show these signs. And yet it could still be cleaned! Examine the luster. Is it shiny and original, or bright yet dull? Compare the photos below. Which coin has been cleaned?

Also, does your coin have cartwheel luster like that below?

If a high-grade coin lacks a natural cartwheel luster, there's a chance it has been cleaned. Be suspicious of any coin below the grade of About Uncirculated that appears to have full luster.
Detecting cleaning on copper coins is actually quite easy. You decide: which coin has been cleaned?

It's the one on the right. Note the unnatural pink color.

Now take a look at the photo below. Which coins have been cleaned?

Leave your answer as a comment.