cleaning old nickels

[whitesid]

i got a V Nickel and Buffalo's that are totally green what can i use to just get the green off and be able to see the date??

[Ant]

Household ammonia will remove verdigris (green). The more soaks, the more will come off. It takes about 3 or 4 soaks to turn a nickle chocolate brown. It works fairly fast, if I remember correctly check every 10 minutes or so.

[goldencoin]

see ray-king's post further down the forum

HH
-GC

[swingman]

I get 'em colored green, orange, and various shades of brown - tried several means of cleaning, but I like this the best. Found this recipe in an old detecting book (sometimes one can still get something useful from them!).
In a small container - add enough white vinegar to just cover coin(s); add a pinch or two of table salt; swirl until salt dissolves (add a little more vinegar if needed). Add coin and watch - sometimes color change will be fast, usually not. You may turn the coin over after awhile. Timing is a guess - remove nickel and rinse, then rub lightly with a baking soda paste. If still discolored, repeat soaking process. Color should eventually revert to ~original. Then a light rubbing with toothpaste will 'naturalize' the look a bit more (my idea). Nickels are tough, but I don't know if this will cause micro-scratches.
Buffalos commonly have no date (worn). A commercial product called Nickelene (sp?) will bring out the date, but the numismatic value will be nil.

[goldencoin]

I get 'em colored green, orange, and various shades of brown - tried several means of cleaning, but I like this the best. Found this recipe in an old detecting book (sometimes one can still get something useful from them!).
In a small container - add enough white vinegar to just cover coin(s); add a pinch or two of table salt; swirl until salt dissolves (add a little more vinegar if needed). Add coin and watch - sometimes color change will be fast, usually not. You may turn the coin over after awhile. Timing is a guess - remove nickel and rinse, then rub lightly with a baking soda paste. If still discolored, repeat soaking process. Color should eventually revert to ~original. Then a light rubbing with toothpaste will 'naturalize' the look a bit more (my idea). Nickels are tough, but I don't know if this will cause micro-scratches.
Buffalos commonly have no date (worn). A commercial product called Nickelene (sp?) will bring out the date, but the numismatic value will be nil.

Thats the gist of raykings post. I had GREAT success with doing that and then stiring it.

HH
-GC