NCS Conservation: April 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 Great Britain 1937 Crown in proof strike was submitted for NCS conservation with a terrible case of green residues and opaque fingerprints covering the surfaces. Green residues such as this are often a sign of PVC residue development and, if left to remain, can permanently damage the surface of a coin. The green residues were able to be removed to reveal reflective mirrored fields. Following conservation, this King George VI Crown was able to grade numerically with NGC.

Great Britain 1937 Crown Proof Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Great Britain 1937 Crown Proof After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This 1990 Proof Great Britain gold 5 Sovereign came into NCS for removal of thick spotty residues with a greasy appearance. Extreme care must be taken when removing residues this pervasive on a proof coin. Taking this concern into consideration is a requirement in conserving this impressive modern gold coin. After successful removal of the residues, this coin was able to grade extremely well with NGC.

Great Britain 1990 Gold 5 Sovereign Proof Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Great Britain 1990 Gold 5 Sovereign Proof After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This uncirculated China 1876 Hong Kong Cent came to NCS in need of help to remove some light residue including a thick green deposit on the reverse rim. Residues such as these likely formed from years of less than ideal storage. Careful conservation work was able to remove the thick layer of green residue, leaving a coin with clear surfaces to grade with NGC.

China Hong Kong 1876 Cent Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

China Hong Kong China 1876 Cent After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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