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Are There Any Tricks To Making Worn Dates More Legible?

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New Member
PokeyCC's Avatar
Canada
33 Posts
 Posted 12/11/2022  5:20 pm Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add PokeyCC to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
Hi, I am finding it very frustrating to try and decipher worn dates. I only have a macro lens, and various light sources....any suggestions on what to try?
I have tried angling the light source to try and eek out a bit of number profile but without much luck.

I have this 50 cent piece that is killing me. Looks like 1911 but can't be sure. It is not in great shape, but I really would like to figure out the date! Have also tried adjusting things in Lightroom. Results below.

Any advice is MOST welcome. Thanks.


Are-There-Any-Tricks-To-Making-Worn-Dates-More-Legible?
Are-There-Any-Tricks-To-Making-Worn-Dates-More-Legible?
Are-There-Any-Tricks-To-Making-Worn-Dates-More-Legible?
Bedrock of the Community
sel_69l's Avatar
Australia
21786 Posts
 Posted 12/11/2022  5:32 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add sel_69l to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Never tried either, but
examination under ultraviolet or polarized light could possibly? help.
New Member
PokeyCC's Avatar
Canada
33 Posts
 Posted 12/11/2022  5:35 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add PokeyCC to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Tried UV and polarized, and different colored lights.
Would graphite or charcoal powder work to bring it out? Afraid to try.
Pillar of the Community
United States
819 Posts
 Posted 12/11/2022  5:40 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add chipjones to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Try holding it at a 45 degree angle looking from the bottom.
This helped me a few times.
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1984 Posts
 Posted 12/11/2022  5:41 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Smallcentguy to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
You know it is 1911 because the obverse omitted "DEI GRATIA" for that year only
New Member
PokeyCC's Avatar
Canada
33 Posts
 Posted 12/11/2022  5:45 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add PokeyCC to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Thankyou!
Now I can file it correctly.
Really appreciate the help on this one, and will try the other suggestions on some other heavily worn coins.
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1505 Posts
 Posted 12/12/2022  01:48 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add purelywasted to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
There is a chemical that can highlight them on silver/nickel coins. I can't remember the name, but recall seeing it when researching this issue.

I have some Vicky dimes that would be great to know the date.
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triggersmob's Avatar
Australia
9377 Posts
 Posted 12/12/2022  05:44 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add triggersmob to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Quote:
There is a chemical that can highlight them on silver/nickel coins.

I think it was called nic-o-date of something like that.
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Canada
5585 Posts
 Posted 12/12/2022  07:36 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add okiecoiner to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Yes, I used to use that chemical for my old Buffalo nickels and it WAS nico-date or some name similar.. It was a little tough to remove and the area was a bit off color.
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