NCS Conservation: Liberty from Residue

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.

Poor-quality coin holders can create some terribly damaging residues. This 1902 Liberty Nickel was recently submitted for NCS conservation to address a heavy green residue that had obscured much of the surfaces. Residues such as this are frequently found on coins that have spent many years in poor-quality soft flips that leach out plasticizers (referred to as PVC) onto the surface of the coin intended to be protected. Residues such as this often cause permanent damage to the coin in the form of corrosion. After professional conservation work, this nickel had its beauty restored and went on to grade well with NGC.

1902 Liberty Nickel Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
1902 Liberty Nickel After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Unattractive residues can potentially begin the process of environmental damage. This 1864 Patriotic Civil War Token was submitted to NCS to remove a heavy coating of detail-hiding residues. It is not uncommon to see pieces like this that, at one time, were not prized numismatic pieces in such a sorry shape due to poor storage conditions. The NCS conservators are well practiced in removing residues as seen here without damaging the surface underneath. Fortunately, this residue was removed before it could cause permanent damage. After removal of all residues, this token was revealed to be bright and pleasantly toned, and it was able to grade well with NGC.

1864 Patriotic Civil War Token Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
1864 Patriotic Civil War Token After conservation Click images to enlarge.

After decades in poor long-term storage have left a mark, conservation can help bring back a coin's true beauty. This 1932-S Washington Quarter had developed a yellowed residue in a harsh pattern across the obverse. This type and pattern of residue is frequently caused by the use of adhesive tape in a poor storage arrangement. The professional conservators at NCS have techniques to remove the residue blight, which they used to return this bright uncirculated example of a key coin. This coin was able to grade numerically with NGC following conservation.

1932-S Washington Quarter Before conservation Click images to enlarge.
1932-S Washington Quarter After conservation Click images to enlarge.

For more information about NCS, visit NGCcoin.com.

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