This proved to be too small for convenient handling by the public. Adoption of the five-cent coin as we know it today occurred in 1866. The Mint increased the coin's size and changed its metallic content from silver and copper to a combination of copper and nickel. The approximate life span of a coin is 25 years. Mutilated coins are coins that are chipped, fused, and not machine countable.
Mutilated coins are only redeemable through the United States Mint.
Uncurrent coins are coins that are worn yet recognizable as to genuineness and denomination, and are machine countable. Uncurrent coins are redeemed by the Federal Reserve Banks, then forwarded to the Mint for disposition. All uncurrent or mutilated coins received by the Mint are melted, and the metal is shipped to a fabricator to be used in the manufacture of coinage strips. I have some old coins that are tarnished. Once a coin has been tarnished, there is no way to completely restore newly-minted luster.