So I hit my local honey hole today and found my first V Nickel! It turns out that it is a key date! Do you think I should clean it or just leave it as is? Also, if I should clean it what is the best method?
That's actually a full on Key Date - My two year old "redbook" has it listed at $275. in good condition . Might be worth sending out for "conservation" to P.C.G.S. or N.G.C.
nice coin! check out ebay completed auction history for a rough value. Beware those throwing out Redbook prices as that's not even close to accurate. Redbook is full retail for non-dug, problem-free coins. The coins we find are dug, with environmental damage.
If I dug that coin I would consult a professional grading company and seek their advice. I don't think I have ever had to worry about coins with that kind of "value" or scarcity. I probably violate the rules scrubbing coins with my toothpaste and toothbrush. Even the silver ones !!! I would not do anything to your key date coin until someone in the know guided me as to what to do. Regardless, that flippin' V ROCKS !!!
Thanks everyone. It's definitely one of my favorite finds. I almost didn't dig it since the signal was very iffy. Of course after I found it, I started digging all kinds of iffy signals for the rest of that hunt.