NCS Conservation: 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 1953 Great Britain brass 3 Pence Proof coin was submitted recently for conservation to remove an unsightly hazy residue built up along the raised portions of the design. This is a popular coin, as 1953 is the first year Queen Elizabeth II appeared on British coins. A residue that is not evenly distributed can present a particular challenge for the conservator. This British coin was able to have the hazing residue removed and grade very well with NGC.

Great Britain 1953 Proof Brass 3 Pence Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Great Britain 1953 Proof Brass 3 Pence After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Years of storage in soft flips containing PVC can lead to a very particular residue. The jade green streaks on the surface of this 1930-S Indian Head Nickel are clear indications of poor long-term storage. Residues such as this can frequently cause damage to the surface underneath if left untreated. Careful conservation was able to remove the thick green layer of residue, revealing a significantly brighter coin underneath while retaining the light golden hue of this classic nickel. This coin was able to grade with NGC following conservation.

1930-S Indian Head Nickel Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1930-S Indian Head Nickel After conservation Click images to enlarge.

While thick jade-like residues are indicative of a more advanced PVC residue development, early PVC residue development is often a pale green haze on the surface. This French Indo China 1946 50 Centime Essai Piefort was submitted to NCS in hopes of having the layer of residue removed prior to grading with NGC. Years of improper storage in holders such as soft flips caused this kind of residue layer to develop. Careful conservation work is required to remove the PVC residue without damaging the fields underneath. Following PVC residue removal by the professional conservators at NCS, the coin was able to grade very well with NGC.

French Indo China 1946 50 Centime Essai Piefort Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

French Indo China 1946 50 Centime Essai Piefort After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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