Copper Plating Coins

by adamf135 in Workshop > Metalworking

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Copper Plating Coins

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Here's the finished result, two quarters, a nickel and a dime

Step 1: Gather Materials

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First off, I hooked 2 six volt batteries in series. Then using a small Tupperware container, i added approx. 12 oz of water. MAKE SURE THE WATER IS ADDED FIRST!!!!!! Then I added 3 oz of muriatic acid (which I purchased at Menards but can also be found at Home Depot in the painting section). Then I mixed the water with a plastic spoon that I ended up tossing in the garbage.

Step 2: Positive and Negative

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Hook your piece of copper (I used 1/8", but it doesn't need to be that heavy) to the positive connection on your terminal using alligator clips and the negative side to your coin. and submerge the coin all the way into the acid/water mixture for approx ten minutes. This should leave a nice copper coating!

Step 3: Wipe and Polish

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After ten minutes, your coins should be ready to go! I wiped them off with a paper towel and polished them with a mixture of baking soda and water and a soft cloth.

For a more detailed version of this instructable, and other diy's please visit my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/adamfleisch

Thanks for looking!!!