How to Clean Your Buffalo Nickels after Metal Detecting!! Super Easy with Great Results!!

** Disclaimer** - Cleaning vintage items or coins found in the ground can often devalue them.
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[@notruss1]

Mixing Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide creates Peracetic Acid that's how it works. The acid will eat away at the surface of the coin and remove the corrosion, but as it does that it creates tiny pits in the surface. The coin will be bright and clean (like in the video) but it also takes on a matte finish and looses the smooth and shiny quality (like in the video) they have when new. The cleaned coin will look like it has been sandblasted. Works great for face value beach coins, but you will regret doing it to any collectible coin of value.

[@Autumn-zt2dd]

Wish I had read your comment before trying this! My coin is ruined & unrecognizable !🥺 I don't recommend this procedure! Ask a professional!

[@mrspankytank2858]

@@notruss1 Any other way?? A safer way.

[@notruss1]

@@mrspankytank2858 I dont think there is a magic bullet for it. I'm not sure I think it's a trade off cleaning damages the coin in some degree no matter what. Numismatic people will say don't but some coins I find in the ocean you can't even see the date, I have used just vinegar and keep an eye on it, silver I use electrolysis but clad coins I dont.

[@suzannesullivan8706]

Funny freezer shot and thanks for whispering so you didn’t wake us up lol Woohoo cool video and always 😍 Sully in the kitchen! 👨‍🍳

[@garyhuls3997]

Thank you for cleaning tip on the buffalo nickel. I have been hunting for five years and last weekend I found my first one. Love your channel. Gary

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks Gary!

[@aldobottle937]

You don't need more than an hour on each side with vinegar or lemon juice. That's ruined from being in too long, you can see the etching.

[@jeffreylane245]

What you are doing is making the acetic acid (vinegar) more concentrated through fractionalization. Acetic acid has a higher freezing point than water so the first ice crystals that form will be more acetic acid so by removing the ice that forms on top you are capturing slightly stronger frozen acid. You can do this process again to make it even stronger removing more water. Be careful though because the higher concentration is going to be more irritating to skin.

[@TheVeteranFiles]

The people want more Sully in the kitchen!

[@SullySavingHistory]

HAHAHA... Daaaake!!

[@silverstacker635]

this made my 1925-D buffalo dateless and mint mark less. all the details have been erased too. before it was extremely easy to see the date, however the coin was dug up so it was all brown so that’s why i decided to clean it. yes i followed all the steps exactly

[@thespicyfox9056]

Yeah It Also dissolves the coin slightly if you leave it into long so it might’ve happened by mistake and this message is usually used to dissolve some of the coin to show the date but if the date goes away when you start doing this then it’s gone forever

[@texasgulfcoastmd8977]

Thank you for taking the time to show that. Take care and stay safe.

[@SullySavingHistory]

Any time!!!!

[@dug44ful]

Definitely do more of these, that's a good trick to know. Thank you, Sully!

[@SullySavingHistory]

You got it!

[@bdone569]

This is working on a Buffalo Nickel I found on a dirt road while running. Thanks for the info it is amazing!

[@cynthiaswearingen1037]

Awesome instructions, Sully! This was great, please do more!😊💖

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thank you Cynthia!!!!!

[@DiggingCanuck]

Magic !! Thanks Sully 😀

[@SullySavingHistory]

Right on, right on!!

[@spiceymchaggiss]

Ok, question 1. How and why does this work? 2. Aside from silver or gold would this work on a clad specifically quarters? Generally same composition minus copper core (im probably gonna try this) 3. Yes in fact I am way too lazy to look this up on my own. I do understand the things used were acids but dang it was so purdy at the end! I did not expect that at all. Lastly can’t wait to see new permission! Good luck!

[@SullySavingHistory]

How does it work? No idea Jim!!! LOL Never thought about testing on clad... would love to know how that turns out. Thanks buddy and best of luck to you with your hunts!!!

[@spiceymchaggiss]

Ok so the mad scientist went to work in the lab last night and used your concoction on a clad quarter and half dollar I found and it did the same as the Indian head. Do you put any coating like wax on your coins after this?

[@SullySavingHistory]

HAHA I'm picturing you with a lab coat on LOL! I have not waxed any of them as of yet. We're you thinking Renaissance wax?

[@spiceymchaggiss]

That’s the stuff! Haven’t found anything valuable or old yet to need it but with an older coin such as an Indian head in this example I wasn’t sure if that would help prevent oxidation. I’ll definitely have to read more into preserving coins hopefully before finding something good! Thanks again for the tip.

[@dirtdiggindawg310]

Another gr8 video boss!! And yes keep em coming this vid was her informative . Can't wait to see this new permission! PS .. Made the 1700's club on Monday! 1778 half reale !! Woot woot

[@SullySavingHistory]

Congrats!!!!! That's awesome!

[@cpea12]

..thanks for the video. I detect out in California mostly on beaches for about 3 months now. I found my first Buffalo in about eight inches of sand today! Of course it is discolored and beyond a date, but you can tell it's a Buffalo. I'm going to try this process on it and see how it goes. Nice finds by the way, SwingingCharlie~

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks Charlie and congrats on your first Buff!!!! Let us know how it turns out. I'm interested in finding out if the harsh salt conditions would change the results.

[@cpea12]

@@SullySavingHistory Hey Sully, thanks! Yeah, the mix and process worked beautifully. 12 hours on each side and the coin came out a silver color. Unfortunately, 80+ years of being in the ocean, sand, and surf took its toll on this coin. No visible date, only silhouettes of the Indian head and buffalo. I'm calling it my 1938 buffalo nickel, the last year minted. Peace, happy hunting! Swinging Charlie~

[@GroeneBoys]

That was so cool!!! Definitely trying this one out. Thanks for sharing! Take care ~John

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks John!!

[@brooklyntreasurehunter]

Cool video Sully, going to try that technique. Thanks.

[@SullySavingHistory]

You got it!!!!

[@billbertke7778]

Can you put 2 nickels in this formula of the solution at the same time?

[@derrickfaulk1309]

Just got my first detector . and just got my first buffalo today ! Its rough .. But still happy . thanks for the info

[@SullySavingHistory]

That's awesome Derrick!!! It took me quite a while to get my first Buffalo. Thanks for watching and Happy New Year!

[@ClaytonCountyHistoryHound]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing, good luck, happy hunting and take care.

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks for watching!

[@ToddColleenJohnson-zl4hx]

We took 1/4 c +/- vinegar and 1/8 tsp or less hydrogen peroxide, mixed them together and within 45 minutes the face was clean, flipped it and within 2 hrs the other side was clean.

[@diggersdentysonu.k.m.d8813]

Its my top brother yes so glad your just happy to see ypur bk out and welldone buddy kerp it going brother

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks Terry!! I appreciate the support buddy!!!!!

[@WHATTHEBEEP1]

WOW! Thats a great tip! Awesome video brotha!

[@SullySavingHistory]

Appreciate it!

[@connieobrien3824]

Don't do this If you want any coin to keep its value. Cleaning a coin makes it WORTHLESS

[@garycoffey3526]

Aren't they still worthless with all the grime all over them? I don't clean any of my coins just curious.

[@me2big]

Exactly. Yes, the coins will be "shiny and new"-looking, but that's because using any kind of cleaner or acid bath is CHEMICAL WEATHERING, and over-doing it with even a paper towel (not to mention some kind of steel wool!!) is MECHANICAL WEATHERING, and it DESTROYS the artifact's surface! It's a removing (or shaving) of a thin layer of the surface of the item. Historians and collectors both warn against CLEANING coins and other artifacts ... it's actually a destruction of history and damages the item!

[@blackbirdmetaldetecting6893]

Nice collection brother

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks buddy!

[@scootertoutdoors9890]

Yep, I'd say that was a good year. Awesome man good video.

[@constitutionalstacker5701]

Dude! That's actually very cool and very useful. Thanks! I wonder if it would work if one didn't slushify the vinegar? Not that I'm lazy mostly, just wondering if and why it makes a difference is all..

[@jamieroberts1268]

Great info, Thanks

[@SullySavingHistory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kayvanrabbani-gl6hk]

Where do you go to metal detect? Beach’s? Or really just anywhere?

[@ronalddvorak1967]

You can take muriatic acid and make a mix of 50% water And 50% muriatic acid together. Put the nickel in to the solution for 20 seconds, then pull out the nickel and rinse with water. The nickel will look just as good.

[@SullySavingHistory]

Awesome! Thanks for the tip, Ron!

[@AdventureswithSwifty]

Thanks for the info. Now I know!🤙🤙

[@dave3897]

I tried this with an extremely corroded 1905 V nickel. When I found the nickel it has layers peeling off. Overall the coin changed color but didn’t reveal many details. Should I try the process again?

[@deniserylander2996]

That was Awesome. Love It. And Thank You

[@timothymills1572]

Hi Sully,I live in Spain and I've just found a 1959 "50 centime coin" made from nickel.Can I use another type of vinegar? Coz here in Spain I can't find the "white distilled vinegar" Thanks Tim👍🤓

[@925inder2]

I assume that would work with V nickels too?

[@SullySavingHistory]

Hey 925! Tested and does not work the same on the V nickel. Not exactly sure why because composition is the same.

[@the717detector7]

Do u do sticker swaps? If so please let me know and we can swap! Keep Swingin

[@westrokker]

That really is amazing! Will this work on silver coin?

[@davidfairbrother7080]

Doesn't that affect the nickels worth?

[@SullySavingHistory]

Yes probably…I wouldn’t recommend cleaning anything with great value coming out of the ground.

[@johnmceachern2813]

How's it work on an Indian Head penny ?

[@SullySavingHistory]

Different process for an IHP John. I show it in this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZXVqaCjiqqNhrc Thanks for the question!!!

[@michaelcoriglianol7197]

Can you do a few at at time with more solution? thanks

[@SullySavingHistory]

Good question Michael. Although I didn't do more than the one I would think multiple in the same solution would work as long as they are not overlapping. Thanks for watching!

[@joennechuta9561]

Found old 5 cent trade token should I clean it the same way copper joe medal detecting

[@SullySavingHistory]

My guess is it will only work if it’s the same composition. It’s worth a try though if you want. I typically leave my tokens alone after some light cleaning 👍🏼

[@billwilmut59]

Thanks for the info. Just found you recently, too late for the giveaway. I used to detect many years ago but getting back into it again. Just received my new Simplex+ today, haven't got to use it yet. Ordered it from metaldetector.com. Keep up the good work.

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks!!!!

[@mylesg802]

I have a very clean 1930 Buffalo nickel but it has a "V" imprinted on the Buffalo's back. I'm guessing it's Roman numeral 5 but I have never seen this before does anyone know if there is anything significant about that

[@leviroote6437]

Thanks i have 19 that needs to be cleaned and about 40 more

[@mrspankytank2858]

Does this work for V nickels??

[@SullySavingHistory]

I don't believe so

[@westrokker]

I must be detecting the wrong places cause I was detecting three years and haven't found that many coins!

[@ogbabyboi6409]

I have a expensive buffalo nickel how do I sell it

[@SullySavingHistory]

ebay maybe? I don't sell any of my finds so I can't help a whole lot.

[@HuskyHacker25]

Would this work with a V nickel?

[@SullySavingHistory]

No it does not

[@anthonyhawk5977]

Not a fan of this method. Steel wool works better.

[@SullySavingHistory]

Thanks for the tip, Anthony 👍🏼

[@jimmycollette9209]

Does this work on V nickels and Jeffersons?

[@SullySavingHistory]

No it doesn't

[@jimmycollette9209]

@@SullySavingHistory thanks for the info. I do have some buffalos I've dug so I will be trying this.

[@SullySavingHistory]

@@jimmycollette9209 just keep in mind I would not do this process to anything of value

[@lindadavis1108]

Should have put on a lobster clip

[@TIMOTHYEET69420]

I found my buffalo nickle in the walamet river and i couldnt see a date even untill i watched this video but even with the rust of i can still barly see the date its a 1936

[@thespicyfox9056]

This works if you don’t plan on selling it BUT IF YOU WANT TO SELL IT DO NOT DO THIS IT DEVALUES THE COIN!!!!

[@Autumn-zt2dd]

@notruss1 Wish I had read your comment before trying this! I do not recommend this procedure! My coin is ruined & unrecognizable!🥺