Conservation Showcase: Proof Macau 1988 100 Pataca

BEFORE CONSERVATION
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AFTER CONSERVATION
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Hazing is a problem seen on modern coins from around the world. The foggy residue can obscure design details and be aesthetically unappealing but can also lead to irreversible surface damage as well as a diminished value and grade when it is time to sell our modern treasures.

This silver 1988 100 Pataca from the then Portuguese controlled Macau, China, a city near Hong Kong, China, was issued to honor the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese Zodiac. The hazing on the surface of this coin had become unsightly almost appearing as a cloud over the dragon. Prior to having this coin graded by NGC, this submitter wished to have the haze removed from the surface. After careful work to remove the haze but not hairline the surface underneath, the coin was able to grade with NGC.