NGC Conservation: Uncovering Beauty in Silver and Old

Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) 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, they are then graded and encapsulated. Below are a few highlights of coins that were conserved and graded by NGC recently.

Germany 1851 6 Kreuzer

Poor long-term storage conditions can lead to the formation of some unattractive residues. These residues can also permanently damage the surface metal on coins. Professional conservation can help to both remove this unattractive residue and prevent surface damage from occurring. This Silver 1851 6 Kreuzer from the German state of Wurttemberg was recently submitted for conservation to remove a dark, dull residue with some raised debris. The professional conservators at NGC have developed techniques to remove these unsightly residues safely. After successful removal of the residue, this coin regained its brightness and was able to grade well with NGC.

Germany 1906A 1 Mark

Adhesives can contribute to the formation of residue on coins. This Silver Germany 1906A 1 Mark was submitted to remove a heavy yellowed sticky residue from the coin's entire surface. Such sticky residues are indicative of adhesive glue that was used to attach a coin to a card during storage, a practice that can lead to severe surface damage. Luckily, NGC conservators were able to remove this residue without damaging the coin's bright surface underneath. After conservation, the coin was able to grade well with NGC.

Austria 1603 Taler

Early large-format coins can develop a host of unusual residues from poor long-term storage conditions, which hide the coin's surface. This Silver 1603 Austria Taler — a large coin whose name led to the currently-used Dollar — was recently submitted to NGC to address a heavy opaque gray residue that had developed in spots, particularly in the legends on the obverse. The conservators at NGC have developed techniques to address these kinds of residues while maintaining the original color of older coins, even those more than 400 years old, like this one. Following professional conservation, this coin was able to grade well with NGC.

For more information about NGC Conservation, visit NGCcoin.com/ngc-conservation.