Are dug coins key dates worth anything?

[pulltabfelix]

If I dig some key dates like a 1939D jefferson nickel that come up dirty and some what corroded are they worth anything near the bluebook RS Yeoman states?

I was always told you don't clean collectable coins. But are they referring to dug coins?

 

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[cudamark]

Never clean a coin with any kind of cleaner, etc. That lowers the value. Easiest thing to do is check with a coin dealer on anything you find. A corroded Jefferson isn't going to have much market. Probably more value in your collection for bragging rights...

Never say never. There are times when cleaning will improve the value of a coin substantially. You get something totally encrusted to where you can see any detail including the date, and it's pretty much worthless. You clean it and find a rare date/mint mark, and it will have more value than a totally featureless metal disc.

 

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[PastorBillV]

Never say never. There are times when cleaning will improve the value of a coin substantially. You get something totally encrusted to where you can see any detail including the date, and it's pretty much worthless. You clean it and find a rare date/mint mark, and it will have more value than a totally featureless metal disc.

Note that I said with a cleaner. Yes, removing crust carefully, indeed, helps value. But cleaners change the surface and lower value.

 

[cudamark]

Not always. I've seen real blotchy looking tarnish or other uneven patina on a coin detract from a coins eye appeal and value. After a dip in Jeweluster or similar, the eye appeal and value went up, sometimes dramatically. That doesn't apply to every instance, but, many times it does. It most depends on the purchaser and what they think looks good.