...metal detecting. To bad about all the rust on it from being in the ground all those years. I tried to post a close up of the head band. You can see the full liberty under all the rusty stuff. It was in great shape when it was lost all those years back. Anyone know who or how to clean this type of corrosion off? I know not to clean coins but in this condition what would it matter? Thanks, Jim
Yep, but they are all rusty too. You looking for any particular date? I'll send ya an old rusty one if I have it. Jim
It's really good you're asking this. Too many people just start scrubbing and using abrasives when they don't know if (a) it will help the market value (it usually doesn't), and (b) there might be better professional services out there. Usually when people ask if they should clean coins, the knee-jerk answer is "don't clean coins" -- but the truth is -- with a professional opinion as to whether "cleaning" or otherwise changing a coin's appearance is advisable, and with a competent professional doing that work, in a few occasions it *can* be a good idea. I'm not qualified to make that judgment, but in my opinion this would certainly seem like a candidate for some good professional restoration work. But it's always important to get that qualified opinion first, especially with a coin this valuable in *any* grade. (Man, this *and* an 1877 cent. Have you made some kind of deal with the devil or some "key date karma" that we need to know about? Burning incense, maybe?) I'd think about sending this one off to NCS -- www.ncscoin.com They are affiliated with NGC, and they specialize in "conserving", as they put it, coins that could use a little TLC. Given the obviously full LIBERTY you showed in the closeup, this coin grades at least Fine in terms of wear, and possibly finer (especially given the boldness of the letters). I'm not sure if NCS can help you in a case like this, but it shouldn't cost much more than $10 to find out (their base fee to find out if they can help is 1% of fair market value, minimum $5) and if they can, you'll be charged another 1.5% of market value. I doubt they can do a LOT with corrosion and crud like this, and I know they can't make it look problem-free, but if it turns an almost uncollectable-looking coin to a net G-4 or better, it could be money well spent. I think it's worth the small amount of money it would take to see if they can improve it.
Thanks Ziggy, Nope no deal with the devil. Just a lot of research for old places where people gathered back in the day. Researching old spots can be just as fun as finding old stuff. Thanks for all the info. I will consider sending this in. The value of this year of V nickel really went up according to the Red book I have. Compared to last year that is. Thanks for taking the time with the informative relpy. Jim
Very kind of you to offer, Jim. I already have many circulated sets. I was mostly wondering if you were also a fan of the series.
Jefferson nickels... ...they just don't do anything for me. To each his own. I do like finding the semi-silver war nickels though. Have about 10 of em.
Hi Roll, I use a Minelab Explorer. Its a great detector. You have one? I have been at it going on 6 years now.
