NCS Conservation: November 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.

Poor long-term storage systems can leave a noticeable residue on the surface of a coin. This silver Japanese (1870) 20 Sen dated Meiji 3 developed a thick layer of PVC residue on both sides of the coin due to long-term storage in an inferior coin holder. The residue development had become so advanced as to completely obscure the surface metal. Careful residue removal was able to reveal a coin with bright prooflike surfaces, mirrored surfaces that were otherwise almost completely obscured prior to residue removal. After conservation was complete, this coin was able to grade well with NGC.

Japanese (1870) 20 Sen Meiji 3 Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Japanese (1870) 20 Sen Meiji 3 After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This large silver 1832 Mexico 8 Real with the Go mintmark of Guanajuato was submitted to NCS to have a swath of greenish yellow residue removed from the center of both obverse and reverse. Residues like this are the result of poor long-term storage in holders containing PVC. Careful conservation was able to remove the yellow residue while leaving the steel toning of this important silver piece intact. Following professional conservation, this coin was able to grade well with NGC.

Mexico 1832 8 Real Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Mexico 1832 8 Real After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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