NCS Conservation: Removal of Unusual 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.

Some coins arrive at NCS with heavy evidence of where they have been. This 1858-C gold $5 coin was recently submitted to NCS to address heavy red and orange opaque residue that had left an otherwise proud Southern mint gold coin looking less than desirable. Even though NCS was not given any information on the provenance of this piece, the task of removing such advanced residues is a challenge worth taking.

Luckily, conservators at NCS have developed techniques to safely remove terrible residues from the surface of classic gold coins without damaging the surface. Prior to conservation this coin was not the pride of a collection but following professional conservation this circulated coin was able to grade numerically with NGC.

1858-C $5 Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1858-C $5 After conservation Click images to enlarge.

While residues can be unattractive, they can also lead to permanent damage. This 1965 Great Britain gold Sovereign was sent to the conservators at NCS to address an unattractive and unusual residue in the form of inked letters on the obverse. While the origin of the ink and reason behind it may not be known, the conservators at NCS are able to safely remove ink residue from the surface of many coins. Following conservation, this coin was able to grade with NGC.

Great Britain 1965 Sovereign Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Great Britain 1965 Sovereign Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Both modern and classic gold coins can be found exhibiting tiny red or orange spots like on this commemorative proof 50 Pound coin from Egypt. While initially worrisome, spots such as this can be reduced through the efforts of professional conservation at NCS. Once the plethora of spots was safely removed without damage, this coin was able to grade very well with NGC.

Egypt 1414-1993 50 Pound Commemorative Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

Egypt 1414-1993 50 Pound Commemorative Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

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