Conservation Showcase: 1932 D Cent
Posted on 12/14/2009
A recent example from our conservation laboratory.
Of the principally used metals for coinage, copper is the most reactive with the environment. This 1932 D Cent exhibits some of the issues we frequently see for conservation. Thick residues can often be found on copper coins. Besides being aesthetically unappealing by hiding surface details, these residues can lead to irregular toning and even corrosion. Residues are heaviest on this coin circling the rim on both obverse and reverse. The beginnings of corrosion can be seen in the residues on particularly the reverse of this particular coin.
The residues and early stage corrosion were skillfully removed by the NCS conservators. This coin may not have graded with NGC prior to the conservation work, but after the conservation this coin graded well with NGC.
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