NCS Conservation: Modern Coins Saved from Unsightly Residues

Numismatic Conservation Services™ (NCS®) uses a variety of proprietary techniques to remove harmful 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 recently conserved by NCS and graded by NGC.

Conservation can make a big difference in the appearance of many modern coins. This 1989 China proof commemorative silver 10 Yuan celebrating the anniversary of the People’s Republic was recently submitted to NCS to address a blue-hued residue that had formed fairly evenly on both sides. Conservators at NCS have experience in removing such residues without creating hairlines on the surface underneath. Following professional conservation this Chinese commemorative was able to grade very well with NGC.

China 1989 Proof Commemorative Silver 10 Yuan Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

China 1989 Proof Commemorative Silver 10 Yuan After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Residues can develop on the surface of modern mirrored proof coins to the point that the coin does not even look initially like a proof example. This AH 1405/1985 gold Oman 15 Rial was recently submitted with an advanced case of residue development obscuring the mirrored fields. Careful conservation work was able to remove the unattractive residue while not damaging the surface underneath. Following conservation this coin was able to grade very well with NGC.

Oman AH 1405/1985 Gold 15 Rial Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Oman AH 1405/1985 Gold 15 Rial After conservation Click images to enlarge.

Modern coins in non-precious metals can develop similar unsightly and potentially damaging residues. This Japan (1992) Heisei 4 500 Yen is a copper nickel modern commemorative that arrived at NCS with a rather severe case of residue and fingerprints obscuring the surface. Just as with coins of precious metal, the conservators at NCS have success in removing these kinds of ugly residues. Following professional conservation, this modern Japanese commemorative coin was able to grade well with NGC.

Japan (1992) Heisei 4 500 Yen Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Japan (1992) Heisei 4 500 Yen After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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