old coin question...

[eca]

So today I found an old buffalo nickel. The problem is it's so dirty I can't see the date... I was almost not able to see what it was. I found lots of conflicting info, so I wanted to ask, is there a safe way to clean this or should I not clean it at all?

Thanks.

PS. I am still digging all targets, to help me learn to pinpoint things... so I found a bag full of scrap /junk... but still havin fun!

 

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[SusanMN]

My opinion, which I am sure others will argue, is that if the coin is so environmentally damaged that you can't get a date on it, it has not more than monetary value unless it is extraordinarily rare. So, when I have a crusty, unreadable buffalo, I drop it into Worcheshire sauce overnight. It will remove the pink/orange coloring and crust and turns the coin a dull grey. Sometimes this helps to make a date visible, but sometimes the coin is just too far gone.

 

[Peyton Manning]

wondering if hooter's buffalo wing sauce would work?

 

[Evolution]

Sometimes the dates on buffalo nickels go fast.... They are the highest point on the obverse of the coin and very quick to wear down. There might not be a date left for you to see. Still a good find!

 

[megnpat]

id try peroxide its what i use

 

[Mackaydon]

Several ways are discussed here in this archived thread:
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/183721-any-way-clean-up-buffalo-nickel.html
Don........

 

[wvwildman]

sos pad works great

 

[WHADIFIND]

wondering if hooter's buffalo wing sauce would work?

Wow! Just hold it up next to your avatar pic and it'll knock the rust right off!

 

[mr helton]

When I have a coin that's so dirty that it's worthless, I throw it in the tumbler with pea gravel, water, and a drop of dish soap. 3 hours later and you can see more detail than you would with any other cleaning method.

 

[Peyton Manning]

LOL who has 3 hours to waste?

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

I try to avoid getting my nickels wet... Water tends to change them funky colors, like dark red. I use a soft dry brush after the caked on dirt is dry!
Keep @ it and HH !!

 

[I Dig Jesus]

I soak mine in evoo, or extra virgin olive oil for you non Rachel Ray watching types. Also works great on toys! (the rusty ones you find!)

 

[grasshopper]

Chances are you won't be able to see the date anyways...you rarely come across a dug buffalo with a visible date

 

[GPS53]

Have only found 1 Buff, no date, just glad to be able to identify as a Buff.