How do you clean a v nickle?

[bboy522000]

I went out to the same place I have been going to and finally, I found my first old coins!! I found a 1947 wheat, and a v nickle. I dont know how old the v nickle is because it is pretty dirty. Any suggestions on how to clean it?

 

[GeoDiggerMike]

Then scrub with soft toothbrush and liquid soap. It makes my rusty red V's silver again and sometimes brings out more details and the date., Good luck!! BTW, get a ketchup packet from Mickey D's or some fastfood place. Cut a slit in the top and insert V nickel. Let sit fully submersed for 24 hours. The ketchup will be a green-brown color when you remove the nickel. This means it has done it's job.. GeoDiggerMike

 

[bboy522000]

I have heard that the ketchup will make the coin loose detail. But if you think that this will work and not ruin my coin, then I will try it!

 

[dirthound]

I would not clean it you want to sell it,it will loose it value.My brother found a 1827 large cent today it was in great condition and his friend told him to soak it in olive oil now the coin is black and totaly ruined.I just spent the last hour searching the internet on how too clean coins and most web sites said dont clean your old coins if you think they have any value,bring them to a coin dealer for identification.dont make the same mistake my brother did,he loked like he was about to cry!

 

[Neil in West Jersey]

I have learned the hard way. Do not attempt to clean nickels, Flying Eagle Cents and very early Indian Heads (1859-1864). The green patina will peel off like a layer of dead skin, leaving behind a corroded mess.

I have had some success with a thumb rubbing, which will remove the caked on dust. I have thought of trying a gum pencil eraser, but I don't have many older nicks (as all of these coins were once referred to as) to experiment on.

Good luck!
Neil

 

[jbow]

I hope. Let us know how it goes.

J

 

[bboy522000]

I think for now I am just going to leave it as is. But thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[WTnFred]

I had one that was so bad I said what the heck and experimented with it. I first soaked it in ammonia which raped it to bare metal (faded red). Then I dropped in heated peroxide which brought out a nice color.

I don't recommend this unless the coin is in really bad, bad condition.

HH
Fred