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 Replies: 29 / Views: 3,236 |
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Valued Member
United States
148 Posts |
I have a lot of old Buffalo nickels with the date worn off as I'm sure most of us have. With today's technology, is there a way to actually see or briefly make the date visible again? |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36638 Posts |
Go to a coin shop or order on line a bottle of Nic-A-Date date restorer. It is an acid that will eat into the surface making the old date visible.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1944 Posts |
nic-a-date leaves an unsightly "burn" mark.
you could try soaking it in white vinegar. that usually makes the date visible again - but takes anywhere up to several days. this method leave a generally dull grayish surface.
both will reveal the date - but are considered altering the coin. personally I would rather have the graynish look to the burn spot. I would also rather have the date to be know and readable, than completely unknown.
just an opinion.
Edited by dbrablec
07/04/2012 2:00 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36638 Posts |
Good point dbrablec, thanks. Haven't tried the white vinegar before so think I'll try that next time. I do know what you mean about the burn mark. I have also seen people use the restorer on the whole coin making the entire coin look pitted but with a date. At any rate, the coins are altered but like you I would rather know what it was than have a worn out Buffalo without the date.
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Valued Member
 United States
148 Posts |
Yes I have about 40 unknowns. No dbling or 3 legged, but I still want to know.
How long do you soak them in white vinegar?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36638 Posts |
I think he said several days. Vinegar is a mild acid so guess that would work. I don't have a dateless right now so can someone post a photo of the coin after you try this?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1944 Posts |
soak them until the date appears. I have soaked some for more that two weeks. a couple of times the date never becomes visible. if you forget to check them sometimes the vinegar evaporated and leaves a bluish crust. that can be cleaned up with fresh vinegar. I also change the vinegars - if it turns blueish in color. I believe the blue color is from the copper being dissolved.
good luck.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Remember that 1913 T1, 1920, 1921, and 1924 can all be identified without the date being visible.
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Valued Member
United States
148 Posts |
Remember that 1913 T1, 1920, 1921, and 1924 can all be identified without the date being visible.
How? I'm still learning?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Ah sorry, I forgot the reference image!  And for the 1913 Type 1, you look at the reverse where it says "five cents", should look like this: (note how the field under "Five Cents" is raised)  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
652 Posts |
I've been having a lot of fun with Nic-A-Date. Easy & quick. While the Nic-A-Date leaves a burn mark, vinegar works on the whole surface of the coin, and I don't like the appearance after a vinegar treatment.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Just wanted to say that there are at least two different % of vinegar,3 and 5 and maybe 4. John1  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36638 Posts |
Kefiroth are these the same for all mints of those years or just Philly mint coins?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1431 Posts |
Quote:
Kefiroth are these the same for all mints of those years or just Philly mint coins? They are the same for all mints of those years. Edited by Kefiroth
07/04/2012 2:23 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
I've cherry-picked more than one 1921-S that way, and that's definitely a date that's worth money even in very low grades.
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Valued Member
United States
279 Posts |
I agree with dbrablec. While nic-a-date is instant, it isn't the most appealing option when compared to vinegar. If you don't mind waiting multiple days for the date to appear, and going through a decent amount of vinegar, then I would go that route.
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Replies: 29 / Views: 3,236 |
Posted 07/04/2012 1:29 pm
