Which of these $5 Indians do you prefer?

Meltdown · June 4, 2019 4:10PM

I picked up these 2 pieces today. They've been sitting with a bunch of other coins in mason jars for about 30 years. A co-worker of mine had a half dozen mason jars full of coins (mostly silver dollars, junk and cents) left to him from in-law family members... I've been helping him figure grades, value and selling options over the past month or so. Anyway, today I bought a couple from him.
They both have very faint S mint marks. The 11-S being the highest mintage, the 12-S being quite a bit lower.
I like the dirt in the devices, I think it helps to show the detail.
Would it hurt these at all to hot, soap & water them?

ColonelJessup · June 4, 2019 4:24PM

No.
Do not touch them. Not even soap and water.
While they carry no premium for the dates in such low grade, they will be much more desirable to some collectors who might simply want a unfussed-with $5 Indian. If they are rinsed or washed in any way, even without further treatment, you may reveal some impairments (cleaning?) from long ago that are now, by convention, discounted because of "original dirt". They aren't very nice to start with, but you'll lose $20-$30 per coin.

grip · June 4, 2019 4:31PM

I like them both with the 11 being my pick.

RogerB · June 4, 2019 4:36PM

If you like them with the dirt, then leave them as-is. If you want to wash them in liquid dish detergent and warm water, go ahead. In those conditions, there's unlikely to be anything hidden that would reduce value.

PerryHall · June 4, 2019 4:49PM

I don't think that filth helps those coins. A soak and rinse in acetone may help.

Meltdown · June 4, 2019 5:04PM

I suppose I'll leave them as is. The splotchy spots on the front & back of the 12-S bug me a little. That's mainly what I was talking about. I do like the look of the 11-S with the dirt in the incuse.

REALGATOR · June 4, 2019 5:35PM

Love the $5 Indian series. These are entry level and I would just leave them as they are. Don't get upset, this is entry level of a really cool club.

Pickwickjr · June 4, 2019 6:25PM

I would leave them as is, they are perfect the way they are. I like them both, my choice would be the 1911 s.

oldabeintx · June 4, 2019 6:43PM

The 11 appears to have more fine parallel scratches on the reverse than I would want. I prefer the 12. Like the original look of both. Nice acquisition.

ARCO · June 4, 2019 6:46PM

Dirty gold is loved by collectors, do not wash them with soap or clean them....at least not the 11-S. I prefer the 11-S.

Meltdown · June 4, 2019 6:51PM

Of course I know "original is best" but these two are dull and dirty. The lights help a little bit to show their surfaces but in hand they're not very eye catching. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the purchase... just maybe, sorta thinking they'd brighten up a little with some warm water.

Broadstruck · June 4, 2019 7:19PM

They are yours so if you want to take a bubble bath with them by all means enjoy!

Hemispherical · June 4, 2019 7:31PM

All

jwitten · June 4, 2019 8:06PM

Please don't wash them off. I've had hundreds and hundreds of $2 1/2 Indians, so have had some that look exactly like these $5's. I've soaped and rinsed a few, and they always look unnaturally bright for the amount of wear. Killed the look for me. I understand wanting to get a few of the bigger dark spots off though. What I've successfully done is to use a SOFT wood toothpick, and gently pick or flake at a few of the worse spots. If done very carefully, it will get some of the worse spots off, while still leaving a nice look overall. The spot to the left of the L on the 12 may be damage filled with dirt though, so a dirty spot might be more attractive than damage. I like the look of the 11 the best!

BryceM · June 4, 2019 8:19PM

If you already like these, leave them alone. If there's a different particular look you're after, just go find one like that and buy it. Plenty of people will appreciate these just like they are.

Just removing a spot often turns into a disaster...... a bit here, a bit there.... before long you're scrubbing the surface with steel wool or using a dremel.

lkenefic · June 4, 2019 8:43PM

I like the look... as others have said, I wouldn't bath them either... if forced to choose, I'd take the 11s...

Dave99B · June 4, 2019 9:12PM

Please don’t clean either one. Both are very nice, although I prefer the 11-s.

Dave

jedm · June 4, 2019 9:42PM

I have not yet ventured into the gold other than a little bullion. But the look of the '11 is very appealing to my eyes.

ZeppoShanski · June 4, 2019 9:58PM

I would give them a little soak in some dish water followed by a rinse ... then I would give them a nice steam blast from the frothing wand on my espresso machine. From there they would go into capsules.

coinlieutenant · June 4, 2019 10:06PM

I like the 11-S

Beating a dead horse....but don't wash or clean.

Holler if you want to sell the 11-S. A silly little side project I've been working on for years and still enjoy is circulated 5$ and 10$ Indians, either with 1. Toning on circulated of any grade , 2. Low grade and crusty (your 11-S) or 3. In circ holders with gold stickers. Don't laugh...even dealers have to have fun...and since a Swiss coin comes along once every 3 years or so.....:)

And to think I sold an XF 1929 5$ 15 years back!!!! Gah!!!!

BLUEJAYWAY · June 4, 2019 10:28PM

My choice the 11.

Paradisefound · June 4, 2019 10:42PM

+1 .... and yes NO soap or any type of cleaning. Congrats on your beautiful additions

@BLUEJAYWAY said:
My choice the 11.

axelrich · June 5, 2019 12:42AM

Great, congrats for the addition!!

ricko · June 5, 2019 4:22AM

Nice gold coins... the $5 Indian is a favorite of mine... Best to leave them 'as is'...Unless you are keeping them as a personal collection and the dirt bothers you.. Your coins, your decision....Cheers, RickO