To Restore (edited) or Not To Restore (copper coins), that is the question...
CleverUserName
Posts: 17 ✭
Good afternoon, everyone. I'm new to the numismatic community and trying to learn what I can about grading and conservation. I've had some coins graded at PCGS recently but am wondering if they may be good candidates for conservation and a possible better re-grade with the service.
One is a 1909-S VDB currently F15 and the other an 1894 Spiked Chin at XF45. I have read numerous articles on what can or cannot be accomplished with conservation, so I know nothing will change with the color (BN, Red, etc.) or other aspects post-conservation. If anything, to me, the 1894 is simply so dark, it's almost hard for me to see the features. I thought conservation might "lighten" it up some without making it "shiny" of course. I understand any opinions on this are completely subjective and there are varying opinions on the benefits or consequences of conservation but appreciate your input. Thank you.
Comments
I wouldn’t but that’s me. Imo conservation is for damage or possibly something distracting on a MS coin.
Thanks for your comment. I have some coins that haven't been submitted which have what I can tell are spots that should be able to be removed with conservation but these are hard for me to tell with my untrained eye.
The purpose of conservation is to remove potentially harmful impurities that could cause long-term problems for your coin. If you're looking to change the appearance of your coin, you could be disappointed. The lincoln doesn't look like it needs anything. From the picture, it's hard to tell about the Half Cent, but the darker areas of toning probably won't change, although the goo that's adhered to the letters and numbers would go away.
What is now proved was once only imagined. - William Blake
In general, conservation is meant to remove or neutralize damaging surface conditions, not meant to simply alter appearance. Regardless, conservation is by no means magic and what you are hoping to achieve appears to border magic more than conservation in that neither of those coins seems to have any issue whatsoever that has to be addressed.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I would consider selling what you have and finding a lighter version if that is your preference. I like them as they are.
Best place to buy !
Bronze Associate member
The half cent (minus the green) is an absolute beauty IMHO.
@CleverUserName....Welcome aboard.... Your coins do not appear to be candidates for conservation.... and conservation is not intended to change the appearance (i.e. cosmetic beauty) of a coin..other than removing harmful substances -as mentioned above. If you seek coins with more 'red'... than I suggest you buy them. Cheers, RickO
Doctors can recreate red copper and do it on old large cents but I’m not sure how it’s done or what conditions the profile state needs to have. The issue with this is that the color tends to degrade in a few years. Board members have been burned on these and as much as I like them I still avoid them as I cannot yet tell the difference between original and doctored red. Age of the holder is one useful measure here.
It's cheapest just to buy reading glasses at the dollar store to enjoy your "1804 spiked chin half cent"
Thanks again for everyone's input. I have another example here but this time I'm pretty confident I will send it in for conservation. It's an 1865 3C and as you can see, has a couple dark spots that I'm hoping PCGS can safely remove. One is by the "U" in United and "m" in America. I know this has more nickel content but I didn't want to start a new thread.
Conservation is aimed at preserving and protecting the existing surface. Nothing Else !
"Cleaning," "restoration," and all sorts of other misleading terms are NOT conservation.
Understood. I thought that's what PCGS called it but they refer to it as Restoration. My bad.
I doubt it's worth the fees to attempt to tone down spots on an 1865 3c nickel.
Cheaper to buy a shiny one, if that's what you desire.