Raising the Date!

[Born2Dtect]

I have found my first large cent and I would like to raise the date so I can read it. Does anyone know of a safe way to try?

Ed Donovan

[JakePhelps]

70% Isopropyl Alcohol might work.

[bk]

Ferric chloride.
Used to be able to get it at Radio Shack.
Its used to clean contacts on printed circuit boards.
Works on dateless Buffalo nickels too.

[JakePhelps]

That works on copper coins too?

[PBK]

Check this out before you try using any chemicals on it:

http://members.tripod.com/~eac1/coppers.html

[bk]

I am assuming that the date is wore off the coin. Ferric Chloride is a mild etchant and would not be recommended on a good coin, however, as with dateless Buffalo nickels, there is no value to a collector on a coin without a readable date. This method should only be used for your own benefit.
You only need to put about 1 drop on the date of the coin. Let it sit for about 1 minute. Then rinse with water.
The Ferric Chloride will gently dissolve the less dense metal,(where the date is), than the more dense area field area around the date.
Ferric Chloride will eat through an aluminum pan very easily. It will also stain your fingers, so wear gloves.

[JakePhelps]

But does it work on copper

[bk]

Jake,
It should work on copper, although I haven't tried it on a copper coin. Ferric Chloride is intended to etch the copper on printed circuit boards. It may work faster on a copper coin than on a nickel, so I wouldn't leave it on the coin too long.
Let me know how it works.
Good luck!

[ZumbroKid]

I just cast them aside and hunt for another one.

[JakePhelps]

But doesnt it bug you not knowing what the date or type of coin you dug up is?