What exactly will acetone do to a nickel?

Hey Everyone! I have this 1886 Liberty Nickel I found in a junk pile, it has a lot of gunk and black residue on it, though I think it would grade VG08 or better if I were able to clean the gunk without "cleaning" it.

Going to get it graded either way, but I am hoping that the acetone would help lift that off without scratching or rubbing. Any advice or tips?

And yes I paid about .50$ for this coin!

 

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Mostly likely, nothing will change. Acetone reacts with organic material, not metal oxidation ( corrosive), so if organic gunk is on it someplace. it will help and not harm the coin. but I have low expectations. jim

 

I know there is still a bit on the coin, when I first got them there was this thick green sludge like stuff on them you can actually see more on the 1886 in the first picture that is not longer on the coin. Idk where the coins were but you can see the ring of another coin that was on top of this one for a long time. They must have been sitting in water...

I just want to make sure it will NOT. harm the coin, since ill be getting it graded I also don't wanna get pegged with it being "cleaned".

Thanks for the response, you think I should give it a shot?

 

From the pictures provided, I don't think that '86 will straight grade either way

 

I think you're doing the right things to remove the damaging "gunk" from the coin, but the damage it's left is permanent. I don't think there's any chance of a straight grade.

Regardless, it's a big win. Well spotted!

 

I do not know who you are thinking of sending it to for a grade, but I do think the top ones will not straight grade it. But even if damaged/cleaned grade , pick the better TPG if you are planning on selling, just keep realistic on outcomes. Jim

 

I am only grading the 1886, if you meant the other liberty nickels.

I was thinking NGC or PCGS, I have never sent a coin to get graded though. I prefer the NGC Cases, over pcgs. Any thoughts on the two grading companies?

Either way I will get it graded because it is in my personal collection, I will likely keep it for a while.

 

1886 is a key date but it's not going to grade.
It has good value even as a details coin. ($100?)

 

I would give it a few baths in acetone, no rubbing and see what you have. I see no upside in sending the coin in. Sorry but, I feel that's a waste of money.

 

No need to apologize, I'm glad you guys said something! Saving me money and time I don't think I will send it in, no worries.