NCS August 2017 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 last month.

This 2004 France ¼ Euro was submitted to NCS with the hope of removing a thick layer of multicolored opaque residue. This silver coin was issued in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first French settlement in modern Canada, headed by Samuel de Champlain—the same Champlain whose name is given to the large lake between Vermont and New York. Thick residues such as those seen on this coin can frequently develop from long-term storage in original mint packaging. This coin was able to be freed of its unattractive residue on the uniformly brilliant surfaces and grade with NGC following careful conservation work at NCS.

2004 France 1/4 Euro Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

2004 France 1/4 Euro After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This 1921 Great Britain Half Crown, was in dire need of conservation. Long-term storage in a lower quality coin holder containing PVC caused green spots and residue across the surface. In addition to the PVC, a poor choice in coin holder also allowed a hazing residue to form fairly uniformly on the surface of this substantial silver coin. In many cases PVC residue that has been allowed to develop can cause permanent damage to the surface metal. Luckily, through careful conservation efforts, the PVC residue was safely removed while revealing little damage to the original surface and this classic British silver coin was able to grade with NGC.

1921 Great Britain Half Crown Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1921 Great Britain Half Crown After conservation Click images to enlarge.

This 1916 Russia 10 Kopek came to NCS in need of help after many years in less than ideal storage. Residues covering the surface resulted in a dark brown appearance in addition to an almost oil slick-like rainbow iridescence. Removal of these ugly residues revealed a bright white silver coin with only minor permanent effects. This coin was able to grade numerically with NGC following careful conservation work.

1916 Russia 10 Kopek Before conservation Click images to enlarge.

1916 Russia 10 Kopek After conservation Click images to enlarge.

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