Tricks To See A Date?

I have an ultrasonic cleaner that removes dirt but not tone.

The problem: rarely, a dark piece of dirt that blended in with the tone comes off and reveals blast-white spots underneath. But usually it actually makes silver coins slightly lighter without affecting the surfaces.

Anyway, it also takes out grime from around worn dates, so I use it for slicks all the time. It creates a slight difference in readability.

Glenzy1, you're probably right but some are Edward dimes and quarters so I figure it's worth a shot...and the date is almost readable...

Where the date has been completely worn off, the date can STILL be found.
XRF to the rescue.

Almost never done, because the chance of finding a common date can never justify the cost of this type of scientific examination.
The latent signs of differential metal stress in the area where the date was, is made use of, in XRF testing.