It took a while, but I finally secured a rackateer nickel with reeding. Generally if they are fully plated they were likely replated in the last 20-30 years. The story behind these can be found here: https://coinweek.com/us-coins/fact-or-myth-josh-tatum-and-racketeer-nickels/ A nice example, in my opinion. Enjoy! ~Joe C.
I have one.. I did a April Fool's thread last year with it https://www.cointalk.com/threads/5-gold-coin-1883-beauty.314007/
I got 2 sitting around somewhere I'll have to double check . They were bonuses from a lot in an auction .
I've got a few as well (including some really lame ones from the wrong year), but no reeded ones. Nice find!
I am thinking about getting it replated. Any thoughts, anyone? Will likely leave as is, but would like to hear some thoughts.
Neat coin. Everyone should read the linked story, too. The (probably fictional) tale of Josh Tatum would have made a good Mark Twain short story.
There are pros and cons either way and I completely understand your logic. Entirely personally I would leave it as is. I love blast white coins and I could easily make a case in my own mind to clean a great deal of my collection for my own reasons. I just like them better blast white. However the logic of keeping a crusty old coin original for the next generation makes better sense...... I dunno if any of that makes sense. I just sort of think you would be plating over the history of the piece.
You have a unique piece of history! A genuine racketeering nickel. I had to go back and look at the photo you posted before responding. After looking at it again I am shocked that you would consider having it replated. That is a beautiful coin! The history lies deeper in your coin than others I have seen. Your coin saw usage in commerce and the plating has been rubbed off due to that. Replating would destroy that history. Mine is original but now I want one with worn plating. To hold in my hand and think of what took place gives me the shivers. If you want a racketeering nickel that shows no signs of wear there are plenty out there. Be patient and start looking but please leave this beautiful piece of history as is.
I have one as well (or at least I thought I did till now! Hahaha). But the one I have doesn't have a reeded edge. Does that mean it's not a geniune racketeer nickel? If so, I wonder why someone would goldplate a high grade V nickel when it's worth more in its original state? Appreciate the insight and education as always.
I wouldn't replate it. The reeding seems special. I wouldn't want to mess with it. *Even if it is a modern replating and not original.