1952 nickel chrome vs missing chrome

[SmoochPooch]

I have these 1952 nickels, both seem different. 1 is shinier then the other and appears to have rusting on rim. 2nd nickel is dull and no rust. Would these be a chrome vs missing chrome??

[Bill in Burl]

The '51 and '52 nickels were steel with .0127mm nickel & .0003mm platings. It doesn't take much to wear down the shiney chrome and/or nickel. Any rust is moisture getting to the steel. Your "gray" coin could just be environmental

[SmoochPooch]

So environment removed ALL chrome, hard to believe.

[TBH]

But true.
Just one of the reasons grading companies no longer certify them.

[NIFC]

The missing chrome version should look more like a 99.9% Nickel (apart from the edges). The steel planchets were plated in nickel first, then a thin layer of chromium. The ones with no chrome missed the chromium plating all together. There shouldn't be any chrome present at all.

Hope this helps.

[troubadour]

Hi!

"Missing chrome" 50's coins should be considered as damaged imo. Not very hard to remove it when you know what you are doing.