Coin Conservation - Good Idea, or Bad?

Preussen · March 8, 2006 9:13PM

Generally speaking, I strongly favor leaving coins as I find them, although sometimes a "Koinsolv" or acetone rinse is necessary to remove pvc or other crud. In my experience these neutral solvents are usually helpful, and I’ve never found either to be harmful.

Like most collectors I try to avoid purchasing “problem” coins; I usually won't buy a coin with the hope that I can “improve” it. Well, I recently bent my own rule. On ebay I saw a fairly scarce Prussian Thaler of Friedrich Wilhelm III, dated 1830. This type seems to be tough to find in Uncirculated condition, and with the “D” (Aurich) mint mark, they’re really tough.

This one appeared clearly Uncirculated, but it looked just terrible. I thought to myself, surely the coin can’t look as bad as the pic.

Unfortunately, it did (seller’s pic):

Clearly the coin required serious conservation, and here is the result (now slabbed NGC MS66, in case anyone wonders). What do you think? - Preussen

ajaan · March 8, 2006 9:19PM

I think it looks great. Most white coin before 1900, perhaps with the exception of Morgan Dollars, was probably dipped at one time.

IlikeZARcoins · March 8, 2006 9:22PM

Marvellous job especially because it passed the NGC test.

Edit: You probably got a bargain on the price too.

Preussen · March 8, 2006 9:26PM

<< I think it looks great. Most white coin before 1900, perhaps with the exception of Morgan Dollars, was probably dipped at one time. >>

Thanks. I agree with your statement about dipping, but I'm not quite sure what you're saying regarding this case

. Just to be clear, my coin was not "dipped." Original luster and toning remain

. - Preussen

ajaan · March 8, 2006 9:28PM

This coin was improved with the conservation. I have no problem major problem with the conservation of coins. To each his/her own.

3Mark · March 8, 2006 9:30PM

Preussen:

100% better and something had to be done with the PVC and urban crud. I know it was not dipped, since it still has toning

3Mark

secondrepublic · March 8, 2006 9:33PM

Coin conservation can most definitely be a good thing - your coin is a case in point.

For more expensive stuff, I've sent it to NCS rather than do it myself.

Aethelred · March 8, 2006 9:41PM

This is a clear case of a coin that was helped by conservation.

rhound1977 · March 8, 2006 10:06PM

You have restored this coin to allow future collectors to enjoy, and it was done proffesionally, what is wrong with that, nothing.

Looks great!

MacCrimmon · March 8, 2006 10:18PM

Nicely done conservation.

laurentyvan · March 8, 2006 10:48PM

Turned out to be a very nice piece!

Udo · March 9, 2006 12:49AM

Much better now

Ricke · March 9, 2006 12:53AM

it's a shame something couldn't be done about those sideburns!

other than that, I'd say it was pretty successful on this coin. It's beautiful.

Preussen · March 9, 2006 1:20AM

<< it's a shame something couldn't be done about those sideburns! >>

. Very important grading point, so I always like to see 'em

Thanks; and thanks to everyone for the nice comments. - Preussen

AuldFartte · March 9, 2006 2:02AM

<< This is a clear case of a coin that was helped by conservation. >>

I think conservation is a good thing, provided it is done by someone who knows what the hell they are doing, like NCS. I doubt the average collector has the ability to come up with such great results.

That is a beautiful Thaler

1jester · March 9, 2006 2:59AM

Outstanding results!! Congrats on the conservation as well as the find.

SYRACUSIAN · March 9, 2006 3:20AM

Absolutely stunning job. I'm so curious to ask how it was done, but I won't.

Silvereagle82 · March 9, 2006 9:43AM

<< Absolutely stunning job. I'm so curious to ask how it was done, but I won't.

>>

Pruessen,
Nice job conserving the coin.. real nice.!
I'm kinda like Dimitri, would like to know how but ..... can understand if you don't tell your secrets

coinkat · March 9, 2006 10:08AM

To the extent that there were PVC issues, without question the conservation route was correct.

KublaKhan · March 10, 2006 11:15AM

I'm just a dastardly newb, but I like those old dark and uglies. It depends on the coin, but especially with German/Russian/Baltic type issues I prefer that style to the more popular rainbow toners.

I have nothing against conservation, but it's just my opinion to keep that one as it was.
But it's your coin and you should do what pleases you most. And if you're selling, do what will bring the highest bids!

Cheers,
Ryan

coinkat · March 10, 2006 11:24AM

Without a doubt, I prefer original surfaces. In this instance, there may have been a PVC issue

KublaKhan · March 10, 2006 11:30AM

Yes yes, I'll concede to conservation here, but only if it's do to PVC problems

Preussen · March 10, 2006 11:46AM

<< I'm just a dastardly newb, but I like those old dark and uglies. It depends on the coin, but especially with German/Russian/Baltic type issues I prefer that style to the more popular rainbow toners.

I have nothing against conservation, but it's just my opinion to keep that one as it was.
But it's your coin and you should do what pleases you most. And if you're selling, do what will bring the highest bids!

Cheers,
Ryan >>

Thanks for your comments

. I whole-heartedly agree that coins should normally be left “as is,” but in this case, conservation was necessary. It wasn't about raising a potential sale price, but all about restoring and preserving a scarce piece of history. Without conservation, the condition of this piece would have eventually deteriorated. In time, the surfaces would have become irreparably damaged, and the coin would have been lost to future generations of collectors

Thanks, - Preussen

Rickc300 · March 11, 2006 3:18PM

Another beauty of yours... How do you find them? I am amazed by: 1, The Quality of your coins. 2: The Quality of your photos. And 3: the Quantity of gorgeous coins you have amassed of that I want for my collection. It is just mind boggling to me...
Very Nice job and I too would like to know the secret to saving a coin like this!
Nice coin and congrats on your find!
Regards,
Rick

Preussen · March 11, 2006 7:53PM

<< Another beauty of yours... How do you find them? I am amazed by: 1, The Quality of your coins. 2: The Quality of your photos. And 3: the Quantity of gorgeous coins you have amassed of that I want for my collection. It is just mind boggling to me...
Very Nice job and I too would like to know the secret to saving a coin like this!
Nice coin and congrats on your find!
Regards,
Rick >>

. Thanks. - Preussen

Stork · March 11, 2006 8:45PM

From Dictionary.com:

Conservation:

<< Preservation or restoration from loss, damage, or neglect. >>

I think that is exactly what you did, and

for carefully tending to a piece of history. So, to answer your question...Good Idea

.

Conserving doesn't mean 'improving' to me. 'Improving' coins makes me think of dips and coin doctors trying to 'improve' a sales price. Kind of funny now that I think about it. Anywhere else I like the word improve, but in relation to coins, the word has certainly taken on a negative connotation for me.

Cathy

Coin Conservation - Good Idea, or Bad?

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