I have a liberty nickel that has that nasty black coating that looks like it has been underground for years and years. Other than the unappealing black "stuff" the coin is in realitively good shape (Full Liberty, most hair lines but definetly has been around a little bit). I was wondering if there was some way to get the black stuff off without "cleaning" the coin. I see now there is also a little green dot forming by her nose. Would acetone be the right thing to use for that? Or maybe I should just leave the coin alone. Thanks for your opinions and help. I tried looking for a previous thread about this subject and couldn't find one, sorry if I missed it. CoinNewb- but getting more educated everyday
First, considering that it is a metal detecting coin, you mentioned underground, so I took a leap of logic, you can't hurt it much more than it already it. First soak it in virgin olive oil, for a month or two. This will loosen most of the dirt. The rinse thoroughly, repeat if necessary. The for the green crud, if still there, use the acetone. Most likely not PVC so it is probably environmental and should stop the growth at least. Good luck.
Thanks! I have no idea if it came from underground but it just has that look to it. I recieved it in a collection from my grandfather and how no clue as to its origin. Would the oil technique make it so it would not be graded? Or body-bagged as cleaned? Do the grading companies grade "underground" finds? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks again.
It is also possible the dark coloring is just an advanced stage of toning - or it could have been a buried find as stated. Either way, such dark toning is often harmful once it has progressed that far and it may be causing corrosion. If it is, removing it is the way to go, but it may well reveal pitting and other damage - or it may not. This is the chance you take with such coins. That being said, I am going to guess that the coin has more sentimental value to you than anything else. So I would probably be inclined to leave it alone, but store it in such a manner that further toning is prevented.
If it is just an advanced stage of toning will the oil technique reveal further damage? The coin does have sentimental value but I would still rather have the coin not be corroded any further and even make it look better if possible without ruining the value of the coin. It was in a tube with other nickels when I recieved it and have since put the coin in a plastic holder. I am also keeping the coins in a cool dark environment. Just wondering if I ever sent the coin in for grading would it be better to send as is or try the oil/acetone techniques for a better grade? CoinNewb
Although olive oil is in effect a weak acid I doubt it would do anything to or remove toning. What it does do is to remove encrustation from coins that have been buried in the ground because that it is mainly dirt and mineral deposits. Without seeing the coin in hand it is hard to say for sure what the cause of the dark coloring is. You could take it to a dealer and ask, you could submit the coin to NCS for conservation, or you could submit the coin to a TPG for grading. But to be honest, I doubt it is worth the last 2 options because of the expense. Unless of course the coin is scarce date or variety.
Since I do not know the cause would there be any reason not to try the olive oil? I understand it might do nothing for the coin but would it decrease the value in anyway?
Yes it could. You see even if the olive oil doesn't hurt the coin or make it worse than it is already - after its use you would still have to use something to remove the olive oil from the coin. That's one of the problems with olive oil - it's only the first step.
Ok. Thanks for the advice. I guess I will just leave the coin the way it is. It seems like there is more risk in doing something to the coin then the benefits in looks and value if I try something. Its just hard because I know how good they can look Thanks again
Just my humble opinion... Nickel is a pretty stable metal. I've experimented alot with toned nickels, and haven't found anything non-destructive to remove the black/brown on nickels. As for olive oil, I doubt if that would do anything really damaging, but then again, without seeing the coin anything could happen.
