Can V Nickel Dates be Revealed with Acid?

I don't really see why not, but it doesn't hurt to ask (hopefully... ).
Thank you for your time, information and opinions.

Here's the coin in question:

 

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Yes nic-a-date should work on that as well as shield nickels.

 

I forgot to mention that I'm doing the vinegar method.

1883!? I'm quite certain the last digits are 85 or 86.

 

Nic-a-date may work but kiss any value goodbye. The coin is worn quite badly already so if you need to know for your own satisfaction go for it. Good luck.

 

Yes the date can be restored enough to read it. Nic a date works but it leaves a brown spot. Other acids and things will work and they don’t look as bad but it’s still altering the coins surface and that translates to damage.

 

Dateless coins don't have much value at all.

 

I, personally, see no sin in pulling the date without tooling. There may not be much value but you can with certainty say what the date is. If you do not hide that fact that the date was pulled with a chemical process, who should care? Not me.

Similar processes have been used to expose artists of rare paintings. Are they trashed because they are now considered damaged?

 

A restored date damaged coin has more value than a dateless coin (or potentially more value, I guess I should say). I stand by nic-a-date. Haven't tried other methods.
If there is any other way to determine the date, of course, do that.

 

Dilute Nitric acid ( nasty stuff~know what you are doing for protection ) If you are a chemist, if not, try to find one who can help you. I do not know if boosters are added or not, nor the concentration. Jim

 

Never tried that...gonna have to now...

 

I hope if you go for it you show us your results. Good luck.

 

Will do. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

Make sure you post your results I have a
similar coin I with to test using that method.

 

Not always. If you wipe it off in 10-15 seconds it will not leave a brown spot but will leave a "cleaned" spot that's a tell tale sign you used it. Danged either way. Vinegar will etch the coin if left in too long so it's almost always a lose/lose situation unless it's a rare or key date which will still have some value.

 

I have 2 complete sets of Indian Head Nickels. One set is nearly all what we call Acid Date. They have virtually no noticeable discoloring. The texture is very uniform. I am enclosing photos of the 1918 S as an example.

 

I would rather pickle a nickel than use acid/nic-a-date. The burnt spot and lack of uniformity detract from appearance in my opinion. 50/50 white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is what I recommend.

 

+1

 

Did you use nic-a-date? I've used it but always have a dark spot.