[The following excerpt is published courtesy of DLRC Press and its author, Gloria Peters & Cynthia Mohon. This information was originally published in 1995 in The Complete Guide to Shield and Liberty Head Nickels
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Altered Surfaces
Again the “dark side of numismatics” becomes evident when we view coins with altered surfaces. Fraud, or even the taint of fraud, is avoided when the coin is offered with full disclosure, if known or suspected.
MECHANICAL ALTERATION
One of the more difficult surface alterations to detect, if done by a light hand, is called whizzing. The older method of whizzing is a mechanical surface alteration done with a wire brush. The metal is actually pushed or rearranged to remove marks, create a false luster (a high shine), sharpen parts of the design, etc. A microscope may be needed to see the metal buildup against the letters or edges but many knowledgeable numismatists can spot a suspect by the way the light reflects off the surface of the coin as light rays catch the minute grooves in the metal differently than natural luster. New methods of whizzing leave hardly any evidence of pushed up metal. They are being done very delicately compared to harsher old wire wheel method.
CHEMICAL ALTERATION
The chemical form of alteration usually consists of dipping a coin either in a strong acidic solution or repeated dipping in a weaker solution leaving little or no original luster on the surfaces. Excessive dipping removes some metal and will often soften marks and hairlines on the coin. Any dipped nickel (even professionally dipped) if not properly rinsed may result in unsightly streaking on the coin’s surfaces, especially on proof surfaces. Many Shield and especially Liberty Head nickels in circulated condition have been cleaned, either lightly or harshly at one time or another. Like cleaning, dipping a nickel is not recommended. The grade and price may be affected but the practice is not considered a condition as serious as our next two examples.
BUFFING/POLISHING
Buffing a coin without full disclosure is a deceptive practice, and is usually done with the intent to upgrade a coin’s appearance, grade and price. The coin is considered damaged.
LASER ALTERATION
Laser alteration of a coin is definitely an intent to deceive if full disclosure is not given. The coin’s metal surfaces are very lightly heated by laser and smoothed. The coin is considered damaged. At a recent coin show we viewed a Buffalo nickel suspected of being laser altered. The coin was extremely bright and white, but without original luster. In fact, the Buffalo appeared very similar to a set of Liberty Head nickels we were asked to make an offer on a few months earlier. The nickels in the set were abnormally bright and white in appearance. At a distance, some dates were quite attractive and appeared uncirculated, with almost a silver proof-coin appearance. But upon closer examination we found most of the coins were circulated and the surfaces unnatural without any original luster. Dipping in an unknown substance was suspected, possibly even the formula used to coat worn zinc cents. Like the Buffalo nickel mentioned above, it is also possible the coins had been laser treated. The coins in question would be considered damaged.
TOOLING
Tooling is a practice which has long been a scourge in numismatics, but usually involves series prior to the Shield and Liberty Head dates. However, in examining a couple of Liberty Head nickels, it is evident the hair of Liberty and the stars have been reengraved to enhance the coins’ appearance and possibly the grade.