What's your experience with PCGS Restoration services regarding verdigris removal from copper?

RB1026

Anybody here ever sent in a PCGS encapsulated coin for review and treatment? I fully understand I can call them but before I do I was wondering what the real world results of this are and if anyone here has done it. I've got a nice Fugio which has developed a bit of verdigris on the obverse (just left of center and a few specs scattered in the detail between 4 and 7 o'clock over the past 3 years since I bought it. I'd like to get it conserved so as to prevent any future damage to the surface of the coin but I also don't want to alter the color or look of the piece as it is a rich milk chocolate color and is absent of blotches and/or ugly spots.

PerryHall

If the coin's surfaces are stable, I would leave well enough alone.

oreville

That verdigris does not look new. It looks stable to me at first glance. Are you sure that it was not there before?

AnkurJ

They can only do so much. In your coins case I'm not sure it would be worth submitting.

WaterSport

Well I can not speak on for sure it was verdigris but I sent my 1916 MPL in because a green spot start growing on the reverse. Since its rather an expensive coin I wanted it stopped/removed. I was at the Long Beach show and talked to David Hall about the service. He informed me that all coins submitted for any restoration service cross his desk first to determine if anything can be done. My coin was different looking and lighter coming back, but as with many MPL's I have acetone you see an amazing amount of dirt removed Frankly, I was VERY pleased with the out come and would highly recommend you give it a try. I do not have a before or after pic, but here is my true view. I am betting they have enough experience with copper now that they can tell you what its going to look like when done.

WS

TwoSides2aCoin

I've been using the knowledge a lot of men taught here to do the restorations myself. Then I sell them raw to this other dealer who collects copper. If he knew I was posting here and targeting him, he might not like me. This is why coin dealers drink.

RB1026

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

Couple questions...... how do you tell if the surfaces are stable? How quickly does this advance if active?

I can't vouch 100% for my memory (I'm not a kid anymore ) but I seem to recall the blotch in the middle being black and don't remember any specks anywhere else. However, possibly I looked at this under a different light back then or with a lesser loupe. I can only confirm that I saw it a few months ago and now of course I see it every time I pull the coin out. It doesn't detract from the appearance of the piece, I was just concerned about any future spread or additional issues.


WaterSport - Love that Lincoln!

RB1026

Also, how does the existence of verdigris, albeit very minor, affect the value and marketability of a coin?