Conservation Showcase: 1902 Liberty Nickel Five Cent

BEFORE CONSERVATION
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AFTER CONSERVATION
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Nickel coinage can be especially susceptible to corrosion spots due to interactions with the storage environment. Frequently taking the form of raised green spots or red-orange streaks, these areas are not only unattractive but the sure sign that damage is occurring to the surface metal. Some coins we see with this kind of spotting are corroded deep into the surface but most coins can be helped with excellent results.

This 1902 Liberty Five Cent Nickel coin was submitted to NCS with the telltale signs of storage in a hostile environment. Green spots are quite apparent around the date on the obverse as well as a general dull brown residue on both sides of the coin. Removal of the dull brown residue and careful elimination of the green corrosion around the date of this coin by the conservators at NCS allow the coin to appear more attractive, be more stable in long-term storage and still grade numerically with NGC.