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 Replies: 10 / Views: 3,723 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1475 Posts |
After getting back into coin collecting few months ago, I've been concentrating mostly on my favorite types, silver dollars & halves. Then I dug up my old nickel & penny collections. Buffalo & V-nickels were another favorites of mine as a kid. I filled up most of the common Buffalo nickels and were looking for key and semi-key dates in ebay. Then I was overwhelmed by "pickled", I mean "vinegared" Buffalo nickels at unheard prices 20 years ago. I did some research and it seems like vinegar is used with hydrogen peroxide as a catalyst to raise dates on dateless buffalos. These Buffalo nickels are selling dirt cheap. Example: 1921S VF Details Buffalo nickel for $0.99. I want to hear about your sentiments toward using hydrogen peroxide/vinegar on dateless Buffalos. For me, it eliminates the excitement of the hunt for those key & semi key dates.   edited to add pictures. Edited by Coconutjoe
07/19/2017 2:47 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
I know some people think they are worth having to fill a hole in a folder, but for me, I won't have one of these restored date Buffalo nickels no matter what the date. I did this once with a bunch of dateless nickels and got maybe 1 out of 3 to produce what they were. I have read they become brittle and the restored details can rub or easily break off the surface. None for me thank you. Nope, not even a 1913 S Type II is going to find it's way into my collection after the old acid bath. But here again, it's your collection, not mine. If you like them, have at it. I really feel they are practically worthless and not much better than a dateless buffalo. I wouldn't feel right selling them. I think the ones I had done this to, I gave away. |
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Rest in Peace
10197 Posts |
Answered Beefer's question yesterday about this. Basically a damaged worthless coin after the 50/50 bath. That said, I personally think it is better than Nic-a-date(acid) that is just used on date area, now that sucks, er, stinks because is obvious, ugly coin, uneven. I myself have had good results on 50/50, mix (use apple cider vinegar) after 4-8 hours get good dates up. But yes, chemical reaction makes surfaces weaker, will rub off easier. I do use for hole fillers now...Buffs aren't my thrust right now, and finances won't allow for the frivolus spending some of those command!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
Soak them in white vinegar but also use a splash of peroxide. It acts as a catalyst and makes much faster work at bring the dates out
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Moderator
 United States
188440 Posts |
At one time I was willing to consider it, but now that I am down to one hole in the Buffalo set I would prefer to keep them all original. To each their own, though. I do have to admit that some of my lower end nickels could possibly be beat in a beauty contest by a well restored nickel.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
The appeal of these coins is usually short-lived. Eventually most collectors would rather have an original specimen, in my experience.
Edited by Coinfrog
07/19/2017 5:04 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3470 Posts |
Quote:
I do have to admit that some of my lower end nickels could possibly be beat in a beauty contest by a well restored nickel. Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder but I prefer honest lower grade Buffaloes to the restored/altered variety. |
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Moderator
United States
188440 Posts |
I said could. I know how I would vote if I were on the judging panel. I admit bias.  I do appreciate your vote as well.  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
When you are "New" it's less expensive to learn a bit about a series without spending a ton. It also helps you spot coins that have had that treatment. It also gives you a better appreciation for finer examples.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
I'm fine with acid-dating your own nickels, buy I would not but one that has already been treated.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
509 Posts |
Ive done this and probably have a dozen or so that I restored a couple of years ago. Looking at them now, the surface/texture is destroyed. A dateless Buffalo is much more visually appealing than what the treatment does to the coin to see a faint date. I wouldn't put them in my album and I'm one that generally has no standards when it comes to filling a hole
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Replies: 10 / Views: 3,723 |
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Posted 07/19/2017 3:07 pm
