Conservation Showcase: China 1994 Gold 50 Yuan Unicorn

BEFORE CONSERVATION
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AFTER CONSERVATION
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The original mint packaging of modern coins can often be less than desirable. The problems are often two fold. Questionable materials combined with far less than air tight holders can cause a hazy residue on the surface of a modern coin which is aesthetically distracting as well as reduce a potential grade when it is time to certify.

This Gold China 50 Yuan Proof coin featuring the Unicorn design was recently submitted with hopes of removing the evidence years of storage in less than desirable conditions had left on its surfaces. Hazing residues and unsightly red spots—commonly referred to as gold spots—are both unattractive and can lead to a coin being graded lower than it could. Careful conservation work was able to remove the unsightly residue as well as the red spots most notably apparent at the rim. This coin was able to grade very well with NGC following the conservation work.