NCS Conservation: August 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 proof 1978 Botswana 10 Pula was submitted for NCS conservation to remove a slight blue haze from the surface. Residues such as the one exhibited on this large silver modern Botswana coin are frequently the result of long storage in original mint holders. Conservation was able to remove the haze on this modern coin, allowing it to grade very well with NGC following conservation.

Botswana 1978 10 Pula Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Botswana 1978 10 Pula After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Such a thick layer of residue had developed on this Ajman 1969 Silver 1 Rial that it might be a surprise that this piece is a proof strike looking at the coin before conservation. Years of improper storage had left a very thick layer of obscuring residue. When a residue on a modern coin is as severe as it is on this piece, oftentimes there is some damage to the surface underneath. Careful conservation was able to remove the thick layer of residue, revealing a bright proof coin with minimal problems. This coin was able to grade with NGC following conservation.

Ajman 1969 Silver 1 Rial Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Ajman 1969 Silver 1 Rial After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This Thailand (1988) BE2531 silver 600 Baht issued in honor of King Rama IX had developed a haze obscuring the original surface. Mint state struck coins can develop residues just as often as proof struck versions. Luckily, the residue was able to be carefully removed from the surface of this coin, revealing a bright coin as a fitting tribute to King Rama IX. This coin was able to grade well with NGC following the conservation.

Thailand (1988) BE2531 silver 600 Baht Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Thailand (1988) BE2531 silver 600 Baht After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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