NCS February 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 1938-S Washington Quarter was submitted for NCS conservation with a streaky green residue hiding the original surfaces. Green residues such as this are often indicative of PVC residue development. Left unchecked, PVC residues can permanently damage the surface of a coin. Luckily, the residues on this quarter were able to be carefully removed, revealing minimal impact on the original surface below. This presidential coin was able to grade well with NGC following professional conservation.

1938-S Washington Quarter Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1938-S Washington Quarter After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This key date 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent came to NCS for the removal of some green residues and the reduction of a few small corrosion spots. Of all the metals used in coins, copper is the most sensitive to color change. Taking this sensivity into consideration is essential in conservation. After successful residue removal, this coin featuring a great statesman was able to grade numerically with NGC.

1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This 20 percent off-center mint error copper nickel clad Roosevelt Dime came to NCS in need of help to remove the thick layer of yellowish residue obscuring the original surface in an unusual pattern. Error coins often develop thick residues due to difficult storage as this off-center coin is not quite as flat as a standard struck dime. Careful conservation work was able to remove the thick layers of residue, leaving a coin with brilliant surfaces to grade with NGC.

Copper Nickel Clad Roosevelt Dime - Mint Error Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Copper Nickel Clad Roosevelt Dime - Mint Error After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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