Restoring dates on worn Buffalo nickels

[JerrySpringer]

Found it interesting what this seller does to "restore" his nickels:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Key-Date-1914-D ... 2eba2b603d

I think I have a 1914-D somewhere about in my coin miscellaneous box. It is all corroded. Probably will not acid-treat it, but is there any numi worth to a readable date, corroded 1914-D nickel?

[uthminsta]

I don't see how he has a problem with the term "chemically altered."
But to answer your question... yes., I believe this will retain at least some numismatic value because it is a "key."

[abe]

If you can read the date and mm don't acid treat it, you'll lower the value whether if its corroded or not.

[chris6084]

Is anybody going to take him up on the offer to 'buy him out' for one year for $25,000?

[DirtyFingers]

Would nic-a-date be what he is using

[abe]

Would nic-a-date be what he is using

The one container is the same thing as nic-a-date, it can be bought at radio shack.
His nice little secret is gonna cost though.

[agmoose]

I've seen some of these "restored" key dates sell for about 10-15% of book value in the past.

I have a 14d that I soaked in vinegar to get the date to show. It was a dateless but the vinegar allowed the date to "reappear" after soaking for about 24 hrs. You can tell it has been "treated" but for now, it fills a slot in my folder.

[uthminsta]

..."restored" key dates sell for about 10-15% of book value in the past. I have a 14d that I soaked in vinegar to get the date to show. It was a dateless

Good example. It may sell for 10% of book, but it's worth more than it was... dateless stuff is everywhere, and can be had for just a few times face! Good success story agmoose!

[chris6084]

I got a sample from him. You can tell they have been cleaned. There are abrasions going all across the coin on each side.

This does not sound like a bad idea. Dateless coins are pretty cheap. I imagine if you bought all the dateless buffalo's you find with mint marks, you are bound to find a few key dates and make a bit of money. Not worth paying for his secret though.