Is there a "Safe" way to clean War Nickels?...Full Steps?

[Diggin-N-Dumps]

I was just curious if there is a safe way to Clean a war Nickel.

I recently found a couple War Nickels Dectecting...Both the same year, same Mint mark.

But I noticed one of them was in really good shape.

I have heard of "Full Steps" on nickels.....would this Qualify?

Im only asking because Ive never found a War nick in this good of shape.

 

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[cudamark]

The full steps designation is important in uncirculated coins but doesn't mean much on lesser grades. I'd use some hot soapy water to remove any dirt/grime first and then reevaluate it before doing anything more.

 

[Diggin-N-Dumps]

The full steps designation is important in uncirculated coins but doesn't mean much on lesser grades. I'd use some hot soapy water to remove any dirt/grime first and then reevaluate it before doing anything more.

Thanks Cuda!...Im far from an Expert on coins...which is why I bug everone here..lol
I just didnt want to scew somethign up that could have been worth more than melt vaule

i usally take a scour pad to these things and scratch the hell out of them...but this is the best shaped one i own.

thanks!

 

[watercolor]

Nice coin!

Out of all the silver War Nickels I've ever found in the ground (several dozen) there hasn't been
ONE that didn't have some degree of soil condition damage. With that said, I just use
Baking Soda + water to make a paste then GENTLY rub the nickel until it looks "pretty"

No matter how careful a person is in cleaning (or not cleaning) a dug coin, professional scrutiny is generally
not in your favor. If you're not planning to sell them, I wouldn't worry. . . maybe clean the lesser grade
nickel and see how you like the results.

 

[huntsman53]

Diggin-N-Dumps,

While the "Full Steps" designation is highly sought after in Uncirculated Jefferson Nickels and makes them more valuable than any that do not have Full Steps, I really can't agree that it doesn't mean much on lower grade coins. Any Expert and/or serious Collector of Jefferson Nickels will tell you that it is not very easy to find (in bags, rolls or hoards) or even purchase a true "Full Steps" Jefferson Nickel at an MS-63 grade or below. It seems that with Jefferson Nickels, besides the hair over and above Jefferson's ear, the steps on Monticello are the first ones to show wear and/or damage!

I am sorry to say that your' War Nickel does not have Full Steps! To get the "Full Steps" designation, the steps on the Monticello have to be totally unbroken by wear, dents, smudging from grease (i.e. struck thru grease) or damaged/obliterated details due to poor repairs to a Die (i.e. grinding and/or polishing) by a Mint worker.


Frank

 

[CoinHuntingDrew]

There is never a proper way to clean a coin.
Even the baking soda + salt + hot water solution for removing toning and dull color on silver coins leaves small scratches on the surface of the coin.

 

[WheatWaffle]

My personal opinion, normally, the condition is everything, but when it comes to silver, who cares? Silver is silver, regardless of condition.