I have a buffalo nickel(semi-key) that is very dark(black) in the back field.I know that cleaning isn't recommened but is there a way to lighten up the coin without lowering(damaging) the grade,or just leave it the way it is?I grade it at a VF-20.Peace out(thanks).
2007-10-27 06:27:23 · 18 answers · asked by Rusty 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.
When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.
Your best bet is to leave the coins alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.
If you absolutely must must must clean your coins do not use the method described above as it will react with the metal in your coin. Use 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in the solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!
I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.
2007-10-27 09:26:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
What Is A Buffalo Nickel
2016-10-13 23:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by cassells 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Soak it in olive oil for a couple of days. Hot olive oil. Then after a couple of days put it in glass and drop a couple of alka seltzers into the glass. Should clean it up fine. I found and 1878 Carson City Morgan dollar like that and tried this method and it cleaned up really great. You may want to place the coin on an alka seltzer and slowly fill the glass with water so as not to disturb the coin then do it again with the coin turned over. Salt sounds good but it is caustic and can cause minute scratching. The best grading houses use computers and microscopes to grade.
2007-10-27 06:31:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Forget the rest here and go with Blue T. She knows what she is taking about. I would not clean it, if it is a VF-20, it still is but dark. If a semi key leave it alone. It will lose it's value if you fool with it and you will cause damage.
2007-10-27 13:14:35 · answer #4 · answered by Taiping 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
wow there are some real idiot answers on here......salt? not on your life, you will scratch the surface.
2017-04-19 18:24:10 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, they are worth 5 cents!
2016-03-13 07:32:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
if there is any value to it most will be lost when you clean it leave it a lone and keep it in safe place
any coin collector that would ever be interested in it would like to see it in natural state
2007-10-27 06:31:57 · answer #7 · answered by jim1 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lemon juice, vinegar, brown sauce or even ketchup will clean it. Just dip the coin in for a while.
Cleaning it will reduce its value though.
2007-10-27 06:37:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Soak it in a packet or two of Taco Bell hot sauce for a few hours,
2007-10-27 06:38:22 · answer #9 · answered by moebiusfox 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
don't know about lowering the grade, but I have always cleaned pennies with a little salt and water paste. rub gently , rinse and dry. beautiful! don't scrub too hard to avoid scratching.
2007-10-27 06:31:20 · answer #10 · answered by lil_angel64 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋