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I bought a bunch of buffalo nickels for my restored War Eagle but most are very soiled. I know cleaning coins devalues them, but these are already heavily circulated. Any way to clean them up?

NICOLENE IF IT'S STILL MADE !!!

I searched for it on the Internet, but nothing came up.

All of the Nic-A products can be purchased here:https://flizzards.com/product-category/coin-collecting-tools/coin-cleaning-products/
It is Nic-A-Lene.....

For the record (copied & pasted from a responsible-looking website):

"The dos and don’ts of coin cleaning

When cleaning your coins, there are several dos and don’ts that every collector should keep in mind. First and foremost, gentle cleaning methods should always be used. Remember that coins are often worth more in their original, unaltered state. If you clean your coins, opt for non-abrasive solutions and cloths that won’t scratch or damage their surfaces. Distilled water mixed with a mild soap is a safe way to start the cleaning process.

Additionally, do take the time to research the specific type of coin you are cleaning. Different metals and finishes require different approaches; for instance, cleaning copper coins differs from cleaning silver or gold coins. Understanding the unique properties of your coins will help you choose the most appropriate cleaning method. Furthermore, keep your work area clean and organized to avoid accidentally damaging your coins.

On the flip side, don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. This can lead to irreversible damage and significantly decrease the value of your coins. Also, avoid using household cleaners, which often contain substances that can harm the coin’s surface. Finally, don’t rush the process. Cleaning coins requires patience and attention to detail. Taking your time will yield better results and help preserve the integrity of your collection."

Now, I have "cleaned" many buffalo nickels, but I'm sure my method would never pass muster with even the crudest, most brutal numismatist. Know what I do? I take some barely-diluted nitric acid, dunk some nickels in it until they give off a greenish-brown smoke, then rinse them immediately in distilled water. Not only do they come up looking shiny and new, but-- believe it or not-- the dateless old nickels' year re-emerges! As if the date lies dormant in the metal even after being scuffed-off. I'll never understand this...

insertcoinhere wrote:All of the Nic-A products can be purchased here:https://flizzards.com/product-category/coin-collecting-tools/coin-cleaning-products/
It is Nic-A-Lene.....

Thanks, I ordered a large bottle and I’ll see how it turns out.

marsonion wrote:For the record (copied & pasted from a responsible-looking website):

"The dos and don’ts of coin cleaning

When cleaning your coins, there are several dos and don’ts that every collector should keep in mind. First and foremost, gentle cleaning methods should always be used. Remember that coins are often worth more in their original, unaltered state. If you clean your coins, opt for non-abrasive solutions and cloths that won’t scratch or damage their surfaces. Distilled water mixed with a mild soap is a safe way to start the cleaning process.

Additionally, do take the time to research the specific type of coin you are cleaning. Different metals and finishes require different approaches; for instance, cleaning copper coins differs from cleaning silver or gold coins. Understanding the unique properties of your coins will help you choose the most appropriate cleaning method. Furthermore, keep your work area clean and organized to avoid accidentally damaging your coins.

On the flip side, don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. This can lead to irreversible damage and significantly decrease the value of your coins. Also, avoid using household cleaners, which often contain substances that can harm the coin’s surface. Finally, don’t rush the process. Cleaning coins requires patience and attention to detail. Taking your time will yield better results and help preserve the integrity of your collection."

Now, I have "cleaned" many buffalo nickels, but I'm sure my method would never pass muster with even the crudest, most brutal numismatist. Know what I do? I take some barely-diluted nitric acid, dunk some nickels in it until they give off a greenish-brown smoke, then rinse them immediately in distilled water. Not only do they come up looking shiny and new, but-- believe it or not-- the dateless old nickels' year re-emerges! As if the date lies dormant in the metal even after being scuffed-off. I'll never understand this...

I’ll have that a shot if the first method doesn’t pan out. Thanks!