Are There Any Tricks To Making Worn Dates More Legible?

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Author	Replies: 8 / Views: 1,970
PokeyCC New Member Canada 33 Posts	Posted 12/11/2022 5:20 pm Hi, I am finding it very frustrating to try and decipher worn dates. I only have a macro lens, and various light sources....any suggestions on what to try? I have tried angling the light source to try and eek out a bit of number profile but without much luck. I have this 50 cent piece that is killing me. Looks like 1911 but can't be sure. It is not in great shape, but I really would like to figure out the date! Have also tried adjusting things in Lightroom. Results below. Any advice is MOST welcome. Thanks. Report this Post to the Staff

sel_69l Bedrock of the Community Australia 21788 Posts	Posted 12/11/2022 5:32 pm Never tried either, but examination under ultraviolet or polarized light could possibly? help. Report this Post to the Staff
PokeyCC New Member Canada 33 Posts	Posted 12/11/2022 5:35 pm Tried UV and polarized, and different colored lights. Would graphite or charcoal powder work to bring it out? Afraid to try. Report this Post to the Staff
chipjones Pillar of the Community United States 819 Posts	Posted 12/11/2022 5:40 pm Try holding it at a 45 degree angle looking from the bottom. This helped me a few times. Report this Post to the Staff
Smallcentguy Pillar of the Community Canada 1984 Posts	Posted 12/11/2022 5:41 pm You know it is 1911 because the obverse omitted "DEI GRATIA" for that year only Report this Post to the Staff
PokeyCC New Member Canada 33 Posts	Posted 12/11/2022 5:45 pm Thankyou! Now I can file it correctly. Really appreciate the help on this one, and will try the other suggestions on some other heavily worn coins. Report this Post to the Staff
purelywasted Pillar of the Community Canada 1505 Posts	Posted 12/12/2022 01:48 am There is a chemical that can highlight them on silver/nickel coins. I can't remember the name, but recall seeing it when researching this issue. I have some Vicky dimes that would be great to know the date. Report this Post to the Staff
triggersmob Pillar of the Community Australia 9522 Posts	Posted 12/12/2022 05:44 am Quote: There is a chemical that can highlight them on silver/nickel coins. I think it was called nic-o-date of something like that. Report this Post to the Staff
okiecoiner Pillar of the Community Canada 5598 Posts	Posted 12/12/2022 07:36 am Yes, I used to use that chemical for my old Buffalo nickels and it WAS nico-date or some name similar.. It was a little tough to remove and the area was a bit off color. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 8 / Views: 1,970

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