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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,381 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
532 Posts |
1883 Shield nickel (Type 2) I never really paid much attention to it. I have always liked it because it is nice and sharp looking detail, but has plenty of room for restoration. I only know how to play with copper so I never touched it. Now after looking at it under the scope I think I am in need of some help bring it to its best. Painful how sharp the coin is that has been allowed to get into such disrepair. Below are some pictures of the coin. Please do several things as you view it. A- Best way to improve/clean it without damaging it. B- Grade it as it sits, and what you think it could hit once cleaned.       Worthy of a clean up and to be put into my 7070 or tossed to the auction block? And if at the auctionblock, what do you think I could expect to see for it? Restored and as-is. Thank you to all that view and share on this coin. I look forward to hearing what the general thoughts are. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
Looks like PVC to me (don't take my word on it though, let some others post). Dip in acetone for 30 minutes and swish a bit (100% pure acetone, in a glass jar), and then let sit in new acetone after rinsing for another two hours. If no results or not the results you want, let soak overnight.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2669 Posts |
It does indeed look like PVC, and may have already started corroding this fine piece. If you do put it in acetone, you may find some pitting underneath. But the sooner you start, the better (it won't hurt it if it isn't PVC, just be careful as acetone is flammable. And make sure it's 100% pure acetone, not nail polish remover.)
Unfortunately I'm not the best at grading yet, but if you can get the damage to a minimum it might not be bad for your 7070. You would just have to see what the end result after an attempt at conserving with the acetone is. There doesn't appear to be much wear, so it might turn out pretty good.
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
What I am seeing looks more like verdigris to me, based on the greenish blue color and pattern. Though it can be tough to distinguish, and there appears to be different states of corrosion going on on that coin. It might be a combination of verdigris and pvc. Acetone removes PVC, but not verdigris. Anyways, get what you can off with acetone, and re-photograph the coin to see what's left. If there is still substantial corrosion, it is most likely verdigris and will need stronger treatment. There is a product called verdigone, which some people have had good results with. I would do a search on it. Good luck!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2669 Posts |
BadThad is the one who has Verdigone, but he created it for copper pieces. I don't know if he's tried it on nickels of any kind (wouldn't hurt to ask him though). Just PM him and ask him to have a look - then he'd be able to tell you if he thinks it would help any.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
532 Posts |
Aright, I soaked in Acetone two dips. First one about an hour, and second one overnight. I swishes it around gently but no scrubbing or picking at the surfaces. As you can see the bits of green are still present. I played a half dozen different settings to try and show the coins color but it still isn't right. The coin looks so sharp in hand but the green just jumps out at you in the scans. I am unfamiliar with treating or playing with silver so I am back to the beginning. What will pull the green? With the spots gone, sure they may be some tiny voids but the coin will look great in the 7070 for sure.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
532 Posts |
Wow, just comparing it to the old pictures there was a noticeable improvement. But the dang spots are driving me nuts.
Back into the soup for another soak and swish....Pictures again after.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
It's nickel you are working with, not silver. Just be sure to tailor treatment to that fact.
There's a lot of detail on that coin - it'd put it in the AU category. The reverse stars all have their complete details and the obverse horizontal and vertical bars on the shield are also in great shape. The horizontal bars have what looks like a little wear but it could also just be a weak strike. Seems pretty common with these.
Hope you can get it cleaned up - it'd be great in a 7070 - a last year of issue coin in nice condition.
Ken
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Pillar of the Community
United States
532 Posts |
Hahah now someone tells me... I may have done more harm than good but at least I can enjoy the coin now. Here is the final result. What do you all think?   Edit- still cant seem to get the colors right in the scans but at least my scans are consistent. It was a great experiment. A little nerve wracking but I think it went ok. Edited by RFB
08/20/2009 09:32 am
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
Looks much better! Great job! Should be a fine addition to your type set! :-)
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,381 |
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Posted 08/16/2009 01:37 am
