Conservation Showcase: Proof 1981-S Type 2 $1

BEFORE CONSERVATION
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AFTER CONSERVATION
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Imagine the excitement of discovering a rarer and more valuable coin variety where a more common piece was thought to be. Then imagine the same discovery when the coin is covered with a distracting haze to help hide the very variety that makes the coin special.

In 1981, proof Dollar coins were issued with two different varieties of the S mintmark, signifying production at San Francisco. The majority of coins issued have a rounded mintmark, as do the coins of 1980, however some Dollar coins were produced with a mintmark sporting flattened serifs. The second mintmark variety with flat serifs is less common and far more valuable.

Haze on modern coins is a relatively common condition. The NCS conservators were able to remove the haze and reveal the full mirrored fields of this Dollar without leaving hairline scratches. Removal of the haze allowed this coin to grade at its greatest potential with NGC.