I pulled this out of a coin roll because it had a number of nice cracks. But some barbarian had placed paint on it. I’m crushed. I’m aware that the many scratches would render this basically valueless to nearly all of you but this is MY coin and I like it. so I’m asking, what is my best option on removing the paint without totally destroying it?
Acetone won't destroy it. I think it looks neat that way. Leave it. Hey I responded to your private message. Did you read it?
I don't think that's paint. I think that's acid damage. It looks like the copper-colored areas are eaten into the coin.
There is no copper core to be exposed. Nickels are not clad. But maybe you mean the Cupro-Nickel was affected by acid?
Yes, milder acids will preferentially dissolve the nickel, leaving the copper behind. I've left dateless Buffalo nickels to soak in vinegar too long, and they tend to approach that color.
Maybe 20 years ago there were still some 'Juke' boxes that would take nickels. The proprietor often put in coins to encourage others. It was common to mark the owner's coin with paint or fingernail polish. Gee it seems like yesterday. Jim
There is a remedy for removing paint. I did it once with a semi-key V nickel. I used "Mötsenböcker's Lift Off Oil Based and Spray Paint Remover." I was careful, used a wet Q-tip, etc., and was very pleased with the results. I would NOT recommend this as a general practice. Steve
