NCS Conservation: Coins That Are Back in the Game

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 recently conserved by NCS and graded by NGC.

Improper long-term storage often leads to unsightly residues. This 1944-D Mercury Dime was recently submitted for NCS conservation to address the heavy opaque residues that were obscuring the fields. Opaque residues such as these can hide original surfaces, preventing the coin from presenting its true splendor. Heavy residues like we see on this dime can both begin the process of permanent damage to the original surface and hide damage already inflicted. Fortunately for this dime, the heavy residues were safely removed, revealing a bright, lustrous coin beneath. After skillful conservation, this coin was able to grade very well with NGC.

1944-D Mercury Dime Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1944-D Mercury Dime After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Gold coins, just like those of any other metallic alloys, can suffer from the effects of poor long-term storage. This 1910-S Saint-Gaudens $20 was submitted to address a streak of residues across the obverse. The amber color and raised nature of the residues on this Double Eagle are indicative of adhesive or tape. With careful conservation work to remove the glue residue without causing damage to the soft surface, this gold coin was revealed to be problem-free with pleasant coloring. This coin was able to grade numerically with NGC following the professional conservation.

1910-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1910-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Modern coins can develop unattractive residues through long-term storage in coin holders that are not airtight. This Mint State 1984-S Olympic Commemorative Silver Dollar was recently submitted to NCS to remove a streaky opaque residue that had obscured the original surfaces. While unattractive, heavy residues such as this can also begin to cause permanent damage and diminish a coin’s grading potential. The professional conservators at NCS were able to remove the offending residues on this modern commemorative and reveal a bright and lustrous coin, which was able to grade well with NGC.

1984-S Olympic Commemorative Silver Dollar Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1984-S Olympic Commemorative Silver Dollar After conservation Click images to enlarge.

For more information about NCS, visit NGCcoin.com/NCS.