I don't find that spot distracting at all. I wouldn't worry about it. If you want to do something about it, your alternatives are basically to send it to NCS and see if they can do anything (unlikely, also expensive relative to the coin itself), or crack it out and see if you can do anything. Unless you're an expert at coin conservation (and I'm guessing not because you're posting this), I wouldn't even try; the risk of ruining what looks like a nice coin seems too high. Besides, I couldn't even imagine how you'd remove the spot. Acetone is unlikely to do anything, and silver dip is a dangerous game here. Like I said, I'd leave it.
I can't say for sure - but a 1938-D if the spot bothers you that much I would sell it and get another.
Most people would not even notice it. Pretty coin not a bad grade considering NGC are tougher on nickels then other graders. Now if it was my coin I be flipping it over to see if the date is an RPM ! 38 D's are famous for varieties . That could off set any issues you have over a carbon spot.
If it's yours, sell it..if you are looking to buy it, pass. Never buy a problem coin. The problem will come when you or your heirs sell it. That's when you will take the hit. That can be avoided by buying the right coin now while you have the opportunity. Let this coin become someone else's problem.
I picked it up in a lot I bought. Its a nice looking coin, just the spot on it. I missed it the first time but saw it later. Just curious as to your thoughts since this is the first NGC coin I have owned with any issue to speak of. True enough though luckily its just a 1938 nickel were talking about.
You have my sympathies. I have many spotted coins, the appearance of which bother me but what can one do? In particular is this 1938-D Buffalo that fell victim to a burst water pipe many years ago. The LCS owner who had sold it to me advised wiping it with a Q*tip and alcohol. As you can see it did not turn out well.
