Conservation Showcase: Chinese 1984 Panda Gold 100 Yuan

BEFORE CONSERVATION
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AFTER CONSERVATION
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Classic gold coins both from U.S. mints and around the world on occasion develop red spots known as copper spots or gold spots. Modern gold issues are not immune to the plague of the spots as we can see on this Chinese 1984 gold 100 Yuan Panda coin. The panda design, which changes every year with a single exception, are popular with numismatists today. Not popular, however, are gold coins with small red blemishes as what can be seen on this particular gold Panda.

The professional conservators have techniques that can be employed to remove the unsightly red without damaging the surface of the coin. Conservation of coins with spots such as these makes them much more attractive for the numismatist and in a better state when these coins are graded and certified by NGC. Incidentally, this coin also qualifies for the special Modern rate for coins to be both conserved and graded for $22.50 per coin. This coin was able to grade well with NGC following conservation.