NCS Conservation: March 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 1868 Shield Nickel was submitted for NCS conservation with a terrible case of green residues hiding the original surfaces. Green residues such as this are often a sign of PVC residue development. Left unchecked, PVC residues can permanently damage the surface of a coin. The green residues were able to be removed to reveal only minimal effect on the coin. Following conservation, this uncirculated shield nickel was able to grade well with NGC.

1868 Shield Nickel Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1868 Shield Nickel After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This Proof 1909 Kiau Chau nickel 5 Cent came into NCS for removal of some spotty yellowish residues and discoloration. Nickel coins require special care in their conservation primarily due to a high percentage of other metals in their alloy. Taking this concern into consideration is a requirement in conserving this rare piece from a German trading enclave in China. After successful removal of the residues and discoloration, this coin was able to grade numerically with NGC.

1909 Kiau Chau Proof Nickel 5 Cent Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1909 Kiau Chau Proof Nickel 5 Cent After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This beautifully designed nickel 1926 Albania ¼ Leku came to NCS in need of help to remove the thick layer of yellowish residue obscuring the original surface fairly uniformly. This yellowish residue likely formed from years of less-than-ideal storage. Careful conservation work was able to remove the thick layers of residue and leave a coin with bright surfaces to grade with NGC.

Albania 1926 ¼ Leku Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Albania 1926 ¼ Leku After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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