As some of you know, I inherited my father's coins 2 years ago. He collected strictly from circulation. I have finished several Danscos and would like to finish more. This brings me to my question. He was missing only a few buffalo nickels for a complete set. Now that it is mine, I'd like to complete it. The few dates he is missing, all have higher price tags and I was looking, for example, for a 1914D on ebay the other day. There were several that were much cheaper and well within my price range. They said "restored" on them and mentioned nic-a-date. Since the rest of the collection is all circulated, would you try some of these "restored" date coins, or would you stay clear of them. I invite all opinions. Thanks.
Understand that the nic a date does do some damage to the coin in bringing the date back up. These are junk coins for the most part anyway as no date coins, so as long as you arent paying a lot of money for them get them as fillers. I use it on my no date Buffalos simply to sate my curiosity since they hold no real value anyway.
I guess it depends on if you want problem coins in your collection or not. Only you can answer that question.
Well, it's an acid that eats away the softer metal around the harder metal where the date was. That's the only reason it works. As to the damage, even a novice can see it.
You're already dealing with a "dateless" nickel with very low value, so the acid treatment really isn't going to further lower the value. The question you need to ask yourself is," what is this restored date coin worth?" There is no book value for restored date buffalos (or any other series for that matter). My suggestion is to watch what they are selling for (final price) before making a committed bid. I'm going to guess that they probably go for 25% or less than the listed price for that date/mintmark in "good" condition, depending on how well the acid job turned out, ond how well the rest of the coin looks.
I've gotten a couple of 14-D's from nic-a-dating them. I started a collection of just acid treated nickels and I'm coming along pretty good with it. You could use one for a filler, but I would definately upgrade it to an original one day...
Related question. My understanding is that on the restored date coins the date eventually disappears again. Is this true and does anyone know the reason why if so. Kie
That doesn't make sense to me Ripley.......If I put an uncir coin in a dansco, you are saying with enough time, the date will just disappear? Huh? I'll get back to my question, will the nic-a-date date disappear over time sitting in an album?
ANACS will slab them genuine, and Heritage has sold many of them. A key date or variety that has been restored is still worth more in the market than a dateless nickel.
IMO, a dateless nickel is worthless. If you nic a date the coin, you'll get a date and satisfy your curiosity. Why not start a nic'd album? Either use it as a filler, buy a problem free lower grade coin, or save up for a better grade coin.
