Restore Buffalo before and after

I pulled this smooth 1916 Buffalo out of a roll this morning. I took photos and subjected it to restoration. The restoration was to this stage by lunch.

 

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Well done!

 

Agree, but what did he use?

 

The secret sauce…of course! ;-)

 

I use a mixture of 40 Volume Peroxide (usually only available at Beauty Supply Stores) and Vinegar. Mix in a small glass dish. If you cover the dish don't make it tight. The gas generated will cause the cover to remove itself. Start by leaving it in for a short time. I have seen them develop in a few minutes. Practice with different formulas and different times. Take the coin out regularly and always rinse. If left too long the coin may turn black or green.

I am posting this because I want feedback. So, report your success, failure and improvements.

 

I've never done it. The dealer I went to today had about 60$ face of dateless Buffalos. You make me want to try a few to see just what date they are, as if I don't have enough to do.

 

I don't subscribe to the old notion that restoring damages the coin. You are removing the damage of decades. Previous processes left unsightly stains. This process leaves the surface with a uniform texture. I think they have eye appeal and tell that are really what they appear to be.

 

Now, you said Peroxide and Vinegar but how much of each? I have a few dateless buffalos looking for a date.
Not sure about the peroxide. I'll check with the chick from the 80's band up the street if she has some.
Seriously, can't hurt.. Right? Will it work on detected Nickels from the ground? Hmmm

 

I use about 50/50

 

I am not kicking the process at all your result are way better at showing the details of the coin. Spot treatments are just that an eyesore. I think that the dilution level can get too aggressive and attack the surfaces rather than just bringing up a date, you draw details that are not there. Technically

 

For me anyways, most of mine have been detected and are deemed damaged anyways. Just fun to see the date again, I guess...

 

Timing and removing the coin after short spells, rinsing, etc. is good control. Like I said above, too long can turn it black or green. Details other than the date? Look at the buffalo. A lot of detail including from no horn to full horn. You have a coin that will look good in a circulation set rather than a dirty white disk with no detail at all.