Conservation Showcase: 1909-S Indian 1c

BEFORE CONSERVATION
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AFTER CONSERVATION
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While most coins featured in the Conservation Showcase are high grade and uncirculated, it is important to see that even well circulated coins can receive the benefits of professional conservation. This 1909-S Indian Head Cent was recently submitted to NCS for professional conservation. Though this coin is well circulated, the San Francisco mint Cent of this - the final year - of Indian Head design production is one of the key coins to the series. Improper storage had led to the development of unattractive residues forming around the letters of the obverse legend as well as a small corrosion spot on the reverse and most blatantly, remnants of glue on the high points of the obverse.

Circulated coins require some special techniques when it comes time for necessary conservation and circulated copper coins require even more attention. The conservators at NCS were able to reduce the reverse corrosion spot and take steps to prevent its development in the future as well as removing the obverse residues and the glue. The overall result is a pleasing brown coin that would fit proudly in many numismatists’ collections. This coin was able to grade numerically with NGC following the careful conservation work.