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 Replies: 16 / Views: 3,911 |
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Valued Member
United States
165 Posts |
My daughter, who is almost seven, has learned to check Coinstar machines when we go to stores to look for change that people have left them. At the moment she has found about thirty silver dimes, one silver quarter, and coins from twenty nine countries around the world. One particular coin is a War Nickel from 1945. We all know that cleaning coins is generally a no-no, but the way it is now there's really not much reason to look at it. She likes looking at her coins so I want to clean it up a little so she can enjoy it more. I'm hoping she'll take her coins into school for show and tell to maybe get some other kids interested in numismatics. Can someone tell me how to clean this nickel? We don't need it to look brand new but we do want to get rid of all the crud on it. Thanks!!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Any idea what the crud is? Our general recommendation is 100% pure acetone; that will remove any organic buildup and won't hurt the surfaces of the coin. Curious what others think; the trick with War Nickels is that they have 9% manganese, which is a very finicky metal that tarnishes easily. |
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Valued Member
 United States
165 Posts |
Any idea what the crud is? None. That's the way it came out of the Coinstar machine...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
650 Posts |
Acetone is the only thing that won't hurt the value of a coin. That said, the only value of that poor War Nickel is from its silver content. I doubt acetone is going to remove that tarnish and crud. |
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Valued Member
United States
165 Posts |
"Acetone is the only thing that won't hurt the value of a coin."
Value is subjective, so let us consider that for a moment.
Which is more valuable?
The ability to interest young children in numismatics?
or
The financial value based on the metal content?
I'd rather decrease the financial value of this nickel and raise the interest value of it...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
650 Posts |
Understood, I did say that coin was only worth the value of the silver content. So, no numismatic value.
However, let's consider one other aspect. If the intent is truly to get your daughter interested in coin collecting, then this is a perfect lesson in preserving coins as a true collector would do. Explain why you can't clean it beyond using acetone. I would argue that crud on the coin adds character and gives that coin some history (a very rough and hard life, but history nonetheless).
Edited by batboy
02/06/2017 1:26 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3644 Posts |
 with batboy that coin has quite a story to tell. |
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Valued Member
United States
165 Posts |
I hear what you're saying about preserving. But at six years old, if she and her friends cannot even really discern what the coin is, then it isn't much interest to them. She found a coin from Kuwait (the first one I've ever seen from there) that is in the same predicament. You can see that here: http://goccf.com/t/279969 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
891 Posts |
You can rinse with plain water for starters. I collect coins for my Grandson ,and he knows the difference between a face value coin and one worth preserving. It will not lower the value of this coin if you clean it, if it makes your daughter happy.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I think that at nearly seven years old, she's able to understand the process of taking the safest step first -- which would be a nice long soak in acetone.
Then let her decide if she wants to try acetone on a cotton swab.
If you take pics along the way, it could be a nice little science project. You can make suggestions but leave the decisions to her. This is a good coin for her to practice taking steps and making decisions.
No matter what the end result is, she has rescued the coin and given it a place in her collection.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Well good luck, at least you have the silver premium!  to the CCF! Edited by Coinfrog
02/06/2017 4:42 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1119 Posts |
Quote:
Acetone is the only thing that won't hurt the value of a coin is an incorrect statement. follow the polarity ladder. distilled water then acetone then xylene. in that order Edited by Steele
02/06/2017 8:25 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1068 Posts |
Since the coin has no numismatic value I would try either 100% pure acetone or denatured alcohol and a soft brush to gently scrub the crud off...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
509 Posts |
Isn't the Coca Cola is killing people's insides example of some grimey pennies/cents being soaked in Coke and then come out shiny?
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Valued Member
United States
165 Posts |
For cleaning copper cents we've always used ketchup. The wow factor after an hour is always worth the wait!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
Safety first! Wear safety glasses when you play with Acetone, open window thereby minimizing inhale it by accident. Wash hands! I would used Q-tips and work small amount of acetone on top of it, very little value with that War Nickel. |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 3,911 |
Posted 02/06/2017 12:53 pm
