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 Replies: 7 / Views: 5,350 |
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New Member
United States
2 Posts |
I just inherited a large number of Buffalo nickels but they are all covered with black stuff. I've tried soaking them in water( the common ones), no change, but am afraid to use anything stronger. There are some fairly rare coins in the mix but as they look now, would not be able to sell or display them. Any suggestions? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Water is generally something you want to keep away from coins at all costs. If they must be cleaned, soak them in acetone for a while. It's good at removing gunk off the surfaces of coins while being completely non-reactive to the coin itself.
Whatever you do, do not rub or wipe them in any way.
Edited by Kefiroth
01/28/2012 11:07 am
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
If they're a purplish black that doesn't look like excess crud, about the only thing that will work is vinegar, for a week at a time.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
 For those that forgot As to your Nickels. Is that black stuff something like a glue or tape or dirt or something like that? Or is it the black discoloration usually found on Nickels? First you should note what you think the black stuff is. Then if you want to try using Acetone, use the Search tab at the top of the page for Acetone, coin cleaning, cleaning coins, etc. Using water is OK if it is Distilled water. Never use tap, spring, fountain, etc types of waters on coins. Tap water is one of the things that people kill house plants with since it contains Chlorines or Fluorines and/or almost anyting on Earth. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
I've found that some lots of Buffalo nickels are covered in black crud that is actually mostly oil and dead skin. Acetone is the thing you want to use to loosen it up, and is safest for the coins. There are several threads on here about how to use it if you use the search box in the upper left. Use pure acetone from the hardware store, NOT nail polish remover, and keep water away. One of the advantages of acetone as a solvent is that it evaporates away completely and quickly, which is not true of water. |
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New Member
 United States
2 Posts |
I want to thank everyone that had suggestions. I tried acetone with NO results and some different coin cleaner/dips. Absolutely no change. Back to square one.
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1291 Posts |
Vinegar will "etch" them, just like Nic-a-date, just slower. At that point they'll go from being original date, dark, gunky coins to "acid treated" dark, gunky coins. Might not be a big issue on a 1920 in G with a partial date(under the gunk) but could be an issue on a D or S mint coin from the 'teens with a full date.
What are some of the more valuable dates you spoke of, kidxplnt?
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Replies: 7 / Views: 5,350 |
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Posted 01/28/2012 4:42 pm
