Copper Plating Coins

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

Step 1: Step 1: Gather Materials

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: Step 2: Positive and Negative

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: Step 3: Wipe and Polish

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!!!

Comments

[nicamarvin]

Beautifully done, I've been able to do the same without power(electroless plating) on the same quarters, I will post a how to when I get the chance.

[Ryhorn12]

I am using this version of the electroplating process with the muriatic acid rather than the copper acetate solution. Does the bubbling stop when the coin is plated sufficiently or is there another way to determine that? Thanks.

[Ryhorn12]

The term for this is electroplating, right? Does this work with most metals?

[adamf135]

Yes, and the only metal I have found that doesn't work is aluminum

[LukeR59]

will this work on steel?

[adamf135]

Yes, the only metal I've tried so far that has not worked was aluminum.

[live4ktm]

Very cool. I have to try this.