Ever seen marks like these?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Dtort, Jul 29, 2020.

  1. Dtort

    Dtort Active Member

    I have an otherwise nice 1961 Proof nickel that has these long marks on it... Most of them are not noticeable until a bright light (like a camera flash) exposes them. I'd guess damage from sliding it into a flip, except for the marks on the lower portions. On the reverse, the marks are more like smudges. Maybe fingerprints?
    Kind of sad as this is supposed to be a FS-801 (037) :(
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Well-Known Member

    Welcome to CT @Dtort. Does not look good. Not sure what the marks might be from. Maybe try an acetone dip?
     
    Inspector43 likes this.
  4. Insider

    Insider Talent on loan from...

    Yes, fairly common. Needs conservation and hope the surface is not etched.
     
    Inspector43 and Kentucky like this.
  5. Dtort

    Dtort Active Member

    That's exactly what I was thinking. If it's organic, that should help.
     
  6. alurid

    alurid Well-Known Member

    Looks like sweaty fingerprints.
     
  7. cpm9ball

    cpm9ball CANNOT RE-MEMBER

    Welcome to the neighborhood! I don't think those marks were caused by a flip.
    ~ Chris
     
  8. GeorgeM

    GeorgeM Well-Known Member

    Residue from 1961 era plastic, perhaps? I think I've seen similar on other proof sets from that era.
     
  9. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    What a shame. Acetone may help.

    Welcome to CT.
     
  10. Dtort

    Dtort Active Member

    The acetone seems to be helping! I'll rinse in fresh acetone, let it dry overnight, and take more pics tomorrow to see for sure.
    OTOH, based on the Cherrypicker's guide, the coin probably isn't a FS-801(037), even though it seems to have some sort of doubling. Darn.
     
    Randy Abercrombie likes this.
  11. Dtort

    Dtort Active Member

    Well, it seems better. I'll try a few more hours.
     

    Attached Files:

  12. Dtort

    Dtort Active Member

    Yay! Sort of. It doesn't show up much in the pics I took, but the marks are almost gone. Thanks for suggesting the acetone bath, guys.
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page