First let me say that I think my kids instant gratification is rubbing off on me. I used vinegar with just a touch of peroxide. The water turned blue as expected and I took the coin out after a little over an hour. Results: 1. A really dull and ugly coin! 2. While I can see more of the outline of the previous number, the existing numbers have faded quite a bit. 3. I think, it's still debatable but looks more like an 8 than anything else. Did the 3 have cent on the reverse? If not I'm inclined to go with 8. 4. I shan't do this again! I'd agree that the coin is now quite damaged. Question, I have about 30 dateless Buffalo Nickels. As I wouldn't want to ever do this method again, have any of you had luck with nic-a-date on just the date area of the coin? That said, if a key date is found, is all the numismatic value destroyed by the date retrieval process? After Pics:
I would wipe the dirt off with a soft cotton cloth or even my thumb. Can't really hurt it any. Most then become visible under 16X.
There are two 1883 varieties, one with CENTS, one without. The without-CENTS variety is much easier to find, especially in high grades, because so many people set them aside due to the "Racketeer Nickel" phenomenon. Looks like an 1883 to me, but probably not worth a lot more effort.
Most, but not all. Like I said, premium dates still command a small premium even if they're restored. And while I don't like the look of date-only restoration, there's a long tradition of doing just that. Yes, it works.
The 1914-d buffalo that fills my album hole was a dateless . I'll post a pick when I get home as it doesn't look too bad
Didnt. Used distilled water only. The BD is still a work in progress used only baking soda & dist. water.
I've heard of semi key and key restored Buffalos worth about 10% of Good-4 value. About your nickel... I'd say 88. Just plug the 86 hole and call it that.
Here is my album filler that was dateless when I got it. Not worth much but a fun project. 1914-D Filler by stoneman227, on Flickr
Yup. There's apparently even one with a reverse that looks similar to the final production design -- but there isn't an 1882 pattern with CENTS, is there? Oh, wait, have we even seen the reverse of this coin?
The one I mentioned is the one that has the regular production rev (first rev of 1883, the no cents rev) There is no 1882 with the second 1883 v nickel rev.
I have used white vinegar and table salt to clean some "squashed pennies." Then I mildly clean them with baking soda, rinse them well and dry them with a cotton cloth. It works like a TV commercial! I do not think the value is an issue for the squashed pennies and they look beautiful!
Funny, but some people soak coins in olive oil. What are we doing, collecting coins or making salad dressings?
I think salad dressing might be good also especially italian salad dressing as it has vinegar and oil! ha ha ha!