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 Replies: 12 / Views: 333 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6611 Posts |
I picked up a 1954 proof nickel for $5. The coin has a hazy surface. I know it looks multicolored under the harsh light and magnification, but in hand it just looks a bit fuzzy and dull. Folks mentioned that sudsy ammonia fill restore silver proof coins. Is there an equivalent for cupronickel coins?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
25759 Posts |
I would try the sudsy ammonia again. It works well on 40% Ikes.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Pillar of the Community
United States
902 Posts |
I've used acetone and cotton balls successfully on silver proofs to remove haze, not sure if it will work on nickel but I doubt it will hurt to try.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2238 Posts |
From the OP's picture, it looks like the "milk-spot" has already been scrubbed before. (Milk spots on a coin are there for good).
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Moderator
United States
98914 Posts |
not too sure if that can be removed, but the suggestions above are a good thing to try.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19977 Posts |
These are cupronickel coins. That is an early stage, complex copper-nickel type verdigris. It is very resistant to conservation in my experience. Often, hydrogensulfide can join the party to form very tough nickel and copper sulfides which become complexed with the copper verdigris. Generally, that stuff is like 100x harder than regular copper verdigris.
You're only hope is that the layers are very thin and not a lot of metal was removed. However, this is a proof, usually the smallest amount of metal loss ruins the surface finish. If you do manage to remove those spots, you'll still be able to see where they were....at least in my experience.
Did you try VERDI-CARE™? Maybe a little on a Q-tip? I don't like using VC on proofs but it is only a $5 coin.
Good Luck!
Edited by BadThad
07/04/2026 02:13 am
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Moderator
United States
190135 Posts |
Quote:
I don't like using VC on proofs but it is only a $5 coin. Good point.  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6611 Posts |
Well, Thad has basically confirmed my worries. I will give it a soak in some acetone, and tuck it away in a flip. Who knows, it a decade, that toning might be really cool? Or maybe we do the cigar box thing on this coin.
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Moderator
United States
190135 Posts |
Quote:
Who knows, it a decade, that toning might be really cool?  Quote:
Or maybe we do the cigar box thing on this coin.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6611 Posts |
After a few hours in acetone, with axial pictures. I think axial covers up a lot of surface condition sins like bad toning and luster loss, but amplifies others like scratches. Any thoughts on whether those spots are long term stable?   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19977 Posts |
If you dehydrated with acetone and put it into an airtite, those spots are good, they aren't moving in decades.
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
Edited by BadThad
07/08/2026 09:47 am
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Moderator
United States
190135 Posts |
Looking good!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6611 Posts |
Thanks for the advice. I guess I should have some airtites on hand for my better coins or coins with spots. Mostly I just use clear flips for recent acquisitions, and then cardboard and Mylar flips for long term storage.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 333 |
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Posted 07/03/2026 2:43 pm
