That was one of the best coin roll hunts we've had so far.
The 1983D Jefferson Nickel is the second coin in our Birthday Coin Collection, right after the 1983D Penny. This coin really hid from us until the last moment but, I think that's all part of what makes coin roll hunting so much fun. Anyway, we got it and here it is.
Behold the 1983D Jefferson Nickel!
On closer inspection, you'll notice that this coin has got some grime between the 8 and 3 in the date, as well as on President Jefferson's chin. You might be tempted to scrub it away, but I urge you not to clean your coins. Ever!
But, you said this was my collection and I could do with it whatever I wanted?
Yes, I did say that. And, there's no way for me to physically stop you from cleaning your coins. But, as a Numismatist, it's important to realize that we are also curators of our coins and collections.
What does it mean to be a curator?
As curators, we are expected to care for the good of our coins, protecting them from damage while they are in our possession.
As you hunt through more rolls of coins, you will find plenty of road-battered and abused coins. Scratches, burns, scrapes, and stains; all kinds of things can damage a coin during its lifetime. So, it's important that we don't add to a coins destruction.
Even improper handling of a coin by using our bare hands without wearing gloves will transfer skin oils onto the surface and damage the tone, or color, of your coin.
Harsh chemicals can also damage the tone, but even by scrubbing grime away with the softest brush, you will create micro-scratches. These are scratches you won't be able to see with your unaided eye but they are easily seen under a microscope. The results will be a lesser grade for your coin and ultimately, by cleaning your coins you will make them less valuable to another collector.
Worst of all, by neglecting your responsibilities as a curator you can cause irreversible damage to your beloved coins, which means you can't repair them. Generations of Numismatists after you, your grandchildren's grandchildren, will lose the opportunity to see your collections in their best condition.
But, I've watched your videos and you don't wear gloves. What gives?
Excellent observation! Now you're beginning to think like a serious Numismatist. The reason I'm not wearing gloves when we coin roll hunt is because the coins we are searching are already tarnished by circulation, being handled as day-to-day currency. But, occasionally, we will find a coin that is shiny and new. At that point, you will want to put your gloves on before handling this coin, especially if you are going to press the coin into your coin folder or album!
What's the important takeaway here?
As Numismatists, we are responsible for the condition of our coins while they are in our possession. If we cause damage to our coins it is our fault and it is at the expense of future generations, as they will miss out on seeing your coin and collection in its best condition.
In addition to our other coin collecting gear, let's get some nice cotton gloves so we don't ruin the tone on our bright, shiny coins, and remember, DON'T EVER CLEAN YOUR COINS!!!
Let me know what you think about cleaning coins in the comments below, and be sure to get ready for our next Coin Roll Hunt!
Go out into the world and get yourself two more rolls of nickels, one in a bank-rolled wrapper and another in a customer-rolled wrapper. And, gather your gear, because the next coin roll hunt is going to be even more fun! See you next time.
Continue growing your numismatic knowledge with these great books!
1) Handbook of United States Coins: The Official Blue Book
2) The Dirty Little Secrets About Cleaned Coins: A Common Sense Handbook on Coin Cleaning
Happy Hunting!
