Howdy, I don't venture into this section of CT often. Anyways here's a nickel I bought 6 years ago now. There was some debate I believe on what variation it is, how and if I should clean it and as usual an estimate of what it's worth. Just need some clarification! Thoughts and opinions please! ~Aidan
Nice RPD! I might try a soak in distilled water first, Then go to other solutions. I doubt that even xylene or acetone would help your Nickel. My vote is leave it as is.
I wouldn't play too much with it. The reverse looks nice with the red tone backing! I think it adds character.
@Evan Saltis thanks, I don't own it unfortunately. It's an ancient incuse (that's the style where the design is a negative basically) coin from Kroton (Italy). Some theorize that the incuse technique was invented by Pythagoras, yes that Pythagoras theorem guy.
I agree with everything that has been posted and strenuously suggest NOT cleaning the coin. It appears to be an over-date and the value would suffer significantly.
I would grade the coin VF35 and price it around $50. The coin pictured was lightly cleaned according to the seller and fetched $125. Sellers offering coins similar to yours are asking $25 - $50 from what I was able to discern. I like your coin, by the way.