NCS Conservation: Beauties and the Beast

Numismatic Conservation Services™ (NCS®) uses a variety of proprietary techniques to remove harmful contaminants, stabilize and protect a coin's surfaces and, in many cases, improve a coin's eye appeal. After coins are conserved by NCS, they are seamlessly transferred to Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®), an independent affiliate of NCS, for grading and encapsulation.

Below are a few highlights of coins that were conserved by NCS and graded by NGC recently.

Pattern coins are a numismatic specialty, and when it comes to conservation, come with some specific concerns. This copper alloy Bank of England 1804 5 Shilling pattern was recently submitted for NCS conservation to address the green, black and brown residues that had developed in various areas on the surface. The conservators at NCS are well practiced in the safe removal of varied residues on copper alloy coins, but many pattern coins can be hiding permanent surface problems underneath the heavy residues. Not in this case, however. After careful conservation work, the large pattern coin was free of damaging residues and displayed a warm chocolate-brown color. It went on to grade well with NGC.

Bank of England 1804 5 Shilling Copper Pattern Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
Bank of England 1804 5 Shilling Copper Pattern After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Even pieces made specifically for collectors can develop unsightly residues. This white metal 1861 dated restrike using an original Confederate States of America reverse was submitted to NCS to address some of the white residues that can develop on white metal medals. Produced well after the indicated 1861 date, these privately made pieces are popular among collectors. Careful removal of the heavy residues in the recesses of the design allowed this piece to shine once again. Following careful conservation this coin was able to grade numerically with NGC.

1861 CSA Half Dollar Restrike Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
1861 CSA Half Dollar Restrike After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Specially made coins that were never intended to circulate can develop residues just as much as circulation pieces. This 1892 El Salvador gilt copper pattern 2 ½ Peso had developed a thick layer of residue that had begun to affect the surface underneath in noticeable small spots. Safe removal of the unattractive residues is while avoiding scratches to the surface underneath is commonly asked of the conservators at NCS and the residues on this pattern coin were able to be removed along with attention to the spots to greatly reduce their appearance. This beautiful pattern was able show its cameo once again and grade well with NGC following professional conservation work.

El Salvador 1892CAM Gilt-Copper Pattern 2.5 Pesos Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
El Salvador 1892CAM Gilt-Copper Pattern 2.5 Pesos After conservation Click images to enlarge.

For more information about NCS, visit NGCcoin.com