Coin Cleaning Solutions: BU Plus Coin Cleaning Solution vs. 1943S War Nickel

High Plains' Mike E. (a.k.a. The Metal Detecting Beast) recently had an encounter with a target he couldn't at first identify.  With a little work using BU Plus coin cleaner/solvent, he was able to unmask his find and reveal a beauty of the coin.   Here is Mike's Story:

"The coin was found in between two roots at the base of a large tree.  It appeared to be encased in a dark hard shell, possibly dried tar. 

During cleaning, I probably spent a total of 45 minutes soaking in BU Plus. Using rubber gloves, I removed the silver coin every 15 min to check on the progress and lightly rub it with Q-Tips and toothpicks.  After the coin was cleaned to my satisfaction, I ran in under water for about 30 seconds, while rubbing the coin with my gloved fingers to remove any excess cleaner. 

Before and after shots of the 1943S silver War Nickel. "

Front of war nickel before cleaning with BU Plus.

Reverse of war nickel before cleaning with BU Plus Coin Cleaner.

War Nickel after Cleaning With BU Plus Coin Cleaning Solvent.

Specifications

Type: Jefferson Nickel
Year: 1942-1945
Face Value: $0.05
Composition: 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese
Silver Weight: .05626 oz.
Total Weight: 5 grams
Current Silver Bullion Value: $1.09

History

The United States introduced the war nickel on October 8th, 1942. These war nickels contained no actual nickel. Silver and manganese were used to replace nickel. The purpose of the war nickel was to conserve nickel, a critical wartime commodity. The government needed nickel in order to fight in WWII.

Different series are available. War nickels were minted out of three different locations- Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Nickels with the P mint mark were minted out of Philadelphia. Nickels with the D mint mark were minted out of Denver. Lastly war nickels with the S mint mark were minted out of San Francisco. The mint mark can be found on the reverse side of the coin above the Monticello image.

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