NCS Conservation: Unveiling Beauty, Regardless of Age

Numismatic Conservation Services™ (NCS®) uses a variety of proprietary techniques to remove harmful surface 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.

Residues can obscure details and hide the true potential of any coin, but this can be especially true of modern issues. This Singapore 1996 Proof Silver $5 was recently submitted for NCS conservation to address a detail-obscuring residue that had developed in the fields. Such residues are commonly found on coins housed in original mint packaging that is rarely airtight. When removing heavy residues from modern coins, care must be taken to not damage the fragile surfaces beneath. After professional conservation work, this Proof modern coin was free of potentially damaging residues and displays reflective surfaces. It went on to grade very well with NGC.

Singapore 1996 Proof Silver $5 Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
Singapore 1996 Proof Silver $5 After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Unattractive residues are not only ugly but can potentially begin the process of environmental damage. This South Africa 1961 50 Cents was submitted to NCS to remove a heavy coating of multi-colored residues. The NCS conservators are well practiced in removing residues as seen here without damaging the surface underneath. Fortunately for this submitter, the coin was sent to NCS before those residues had begun to cause permanent damage. After removal of all residues, this coin was able to grade numerically with NGC.

South Africa 1961 50 Cents Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
South Africa 1961 50 Cents After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Even after decades in poor long-term storage, coins can have their true beauty brought out with conservation. This 1921 Morgan Dollar had developed a mottled dark residue over much of its surface. Careful removal of such beauty-inhibiting spots can reveal the true potential of a coin. A bright lustrous Morgan Dollar is the result of successful professional conservation. This coin was able to grade well with NGC following conservation.

1921 Morgan Dollar Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
1921 Morgan Dollar After conservation Click images to enlarge.

For more information about NCS, visit NGCcoin.com.

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