My primary nickel collection has a very nice MS63? 1947-P nickel with 6-6-5-6 steps. Although the 1st and 3rd quarter have a noticeable tick mark, so I have counted them as five full steps (almost full step). I just picked up a better 1947-P with 6-6-5-6 steps with a single noticeable tick mark i.e. step wise the same, but an upgrade in my eyes. Anyway, my question is this second coin is mottled with a smattering of statue of liberty green crusties along the bottom (for lack of a better description). Are these particles PVC damage? It's not so noticeable to the naked eye, but under my loupe it looks like Jefferson had attended a bad friday nite campus party. Thanks,
For that metallic composition, the most likely generator of green guck is definitely PVC. IMHO the best way to find out for sure is to assume that itis PVC damage, and treat the coin by bathing briefly it in pure acetone (not acetone-based nail polish remover which has other chemical additives); followed by a rinse in de-ionized water and air drying on a soft cloth. If it goes away, the coin used to have PVC damage. If not, it's other corrosion. probably not curable.
If it goes away it used to have PVC contamination, it may still have PVC damage. Look for a roughness or slight pitting underneath where the green was. If it is there you have PVC damage.
