Should lacquer coatings on medals be removed and restored?
291fifth
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As a part of their manufacturing process, many medals receive a coat of lacquer. Over time this coating can deteriorate and give the medal an unsightly appearance. The lacquer coating can be easily removed with acetone or lacquer thinner and medals that are then given a fresh coat of lacquer often look much better.
With the rising interest in So-Called Dollars and other medals, how should relacquered medals be described?
Note: In my own collection of Numismatic Publisher medals I have an example of the seldom-seen 1965 Numismatic News Alaska Trip medal. This bronze medal was originally issued in a plastic case that contained a type of foam rubber that attacked the metal over time. The original lacquer coating did a good job of protecting the medal but the coating itself deteriorated badly. I removed the original lacquer and applied a new coat. The medal now looks great.
With the rising interest in So-Called Dollars and other medals, how should relacquered medals be described?
Note: In my own collection of Numismatic Publisher medals I have an example of the seldom-seen 1965 Numismatic News Alaska Trip medal. This bronze medal was originally issued in a plastic case that contained a type of foam rubber that attacked the metal over time. The original lacquer coating did a good job of protecting the medal but the coating itself deteriorated badly. I removed the original lacquer and applied a new coat. The medal now looks great.
All glory is fleeting.
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