NGC Conservation: Vintage US Coins with a Brighter Future

Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) 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, they are then graded and encapsulated. Below are a few highlights of coins that were conserved and graded by NGC recently.

1851-O 3 Cent Silver

Residues can not only obscure details but also hide the true potential of a valuable coin. This 1851 3 Cent Silver with the ‘O’ mintmark of New Orleans was recently submitted for NGC Conservation to address a detail-obscuring residue that had developed, hiding the original surface. Residues such as this are likely decades in the making and can cause permanent damage to the surface metal. Once the residue was expertly removed, this diminutive silver coin was revealed to be bright and lustrous with minimal side-effects from decades of residue development. After professional conservation, this coin was able to grade well with NGC.

1851-O 3 Cent Silver Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1851-O 3 Cent Silver After conservation Click images to enlarge.

1865 Nickel 3 Cents

Long-term storage in inferior holders made with PVC can have an adverse effect on the coin held within. This Nickel 1865 3 Cent coin was submitted to NGC Conservation to remove a heavy green and brown residue that had developed all over the coin but most noticeably near the periphery. Green residues such as this are frequently developed through long-term storage in a poor-quality coin holder. The thick residues on a nickel circulation coin were carefully removed, revealing a pleasant, reflective surface fortunately free of permanent damage. Following the professional conservation, this coin was able to grade numerically with NGC.

1865 Nickel 3 Cents Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1865 Nickel 3 Cents After conservation Click images to enlarge.

1942 Proof Quarter

Long-term storage in original mint packaging is not always the best idea to keep coins looking their best. This 1942 Proof Washington Quarter had developed an even layer of a thick opaque residue over the entire surface. Residue like what is present here is frequently seen on coins that have been stored in their original mint packaging of the time, which was far from airtight. Given the Proof surfaces of this silver piece, it is important that no further damage be done when removing residues. With this particular quarter, removal of the residue was possible while leaving a bright, flashy silver Proof coin. After the residue was successfully removed, this coin was able to grade well with NGC.

1942 Proof Quarter Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1942 Proof Quarter After conservation Click images to enlarge.

For more information about NGC Conservation, visit NGCcoin.com/ngc-conservation.