Conservation Showcase: 1996 France Gold 500 Franc Proof Coin

BEFORE CONSERVATION
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AFTER CONSERVATION
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Like their classic counterparts, modern gold coins can become blighted with large unattractive red spots. Affectionately known as copper spots or gold spots, these spots are distracting when looking at an otherwise blemish free modern coin.

This 1996 France gold 500 Franc proof coin was issued honoring treasures of the museums of Europe showcasing Rodin’s The Thinker. A large red spot appears at the center of the coin at the The Thinker’s elbows. Conservation work was able to safely remove the large red spot as well as smaller spots on both the obverse and reverse without damaging the remaining coin.