I found an 1885 V-nickel

[d2]

in the river and the date is barely legible. I have been told that a V-nickel with that date is fairly rare and may be worth something, regardless of the shape as long as the date can be read. What can I do to bring out the date a little better?I have soaked it in olive oil for a little bit and when you move your finger across the date and you are holding it just right you can make the date out but then it dissapears. Am I hopelesly in possesion of a nickel that will never have a legible date or is there something I can do to bring it out? I would post a picture but you can tell less in a picture than you can with it in your hand...d2

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Cry Of The Eagle: History And Legends Of The Cherokee Indians And Their Buried Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Kentucky Kache]

I found an '04 V some time back, in a little worse shape than yours. You had to look at it with a magnifying loupe to tell what it was. The worse condition (G-4) my outdated (2005) red book gives for an 1885 is $375.00. But I wouldn't do much to it, like electrolysis.

Description of G-4 -- No details in head. LIBERTY obliterated.

 

[tinkb]

D2 , wow thats some find you got there. Your right that one of the biggest key date nickles in the V nickle series. I know what you mean about the date only showing well when wet, but I won't touch it. Cleaning it would drop the value even more. If I had it, I would send it into one of the top 3 grading companies to be authenicated and slabbed. You'll get the best price out of it that way. Keep us informed on what you do and how you made out with the coin. Congrats.

 

[d2]

Thanks alot giys, I appreciate the info...d2

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Congrats and great info on that coin

 

[upstatedetector]

That is a great coin. $550 in G4 condition according to the 2010 red book. I'd love to see a photo of it.

 

[allen]

sounds like you have a great coin !