NCS January Highlights

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 Corporation (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.

This 1868 Nickel 5 Cent Pattern Judd-633 featuring a design akin to the 3 Cent Nickel was submitted for NCS conservation with serious hazy residue hiding the original surfaces. Residues can be both unattractive and potentially damaging to the surface underneath. Following careful conservation work, this great pattern coin was able to grade numerically with NGC.

1868 Nickel 5 Cent Pattern Judd-633 Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1868 Nickel 5 Cent Pattern Judd-633 After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This South Korea KE4303/1970 reverse die trial for a commemorative 250 Won featuring Park Chung Hee came to NCS for the removal of oily appearing residues on both sides. Removal of heavy residues like this requires careful work to not damage the surface underneath. After successful residue removal, this coin was able to grade very well with NGC.

South Korea KE4303/1970 Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

South Korea KE4303/1970 After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This Great Britain 1799 ½ Penny proof strike in gilt came to NCS in need of help to remove the thick layer of green and white residue obscuring the original surface in a spotty pattern. Many decades of improper storage likely allowed the residue to develop: a problem that frequently plagues many classic proof coins. Careful conservation work was able to remove the thick layers of residue and leave a coin with brilliant surfaces to grade with NGC. (Due to the scratches present on the obverse from prior to conservation, this coin received an NGC Details grade.)

Great Britain 1799 ½ Penny Proof Strike Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Great Britain 1799 ½ Penny Proof Strike After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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