1866 IHC - send to NCS?

My newest fun acquisition - this 1866 IHC. Beautiful coin - but it has a bit of green on both sides. What is the consensus here - is this coin worthy of sending to NCS for conservation and then to NGC/PCGS/ANACS for slabbing? Would it survive slabbing? I personally have never cleaned it and would be afraid to ruin what looks to be a genuinely attractive coin.

Second question: What grade would you think this qualifies for? I'm thinking XF...although, to be honest, it looks as good detail/wear-wise as some graded AU coins available online.

Here are some photos:

 

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Looks like a candidate for BadThads Magic. I doubt its gonna slab other than genuine. I have a feeling when the green is gone, there is an underlying element unseen right now. Nice details on the coin though.. I like it.

 

If you send it to NCS for conserving AND if it then doesn't get a grade from a TPG, you've spent about as much as it's worth.
It's a gamble.

Nice coin though.
I'd think AU details.

 

Try soaking in acetone first, the green may come off. And will not hurt anything if it doesn't.

 

I agree with this. The verdigris will come off.

 

Thanks for the advice so far. I've been reading up (specifically the postings on here related to Verdigone/Verdicare) and I just don't want to have a pink IHC when I'm done. I'm definitely going to try the rose thorn option...

Would you all agree with a grade of XF?

 

I am not sure it is verdigris, looks like that green PVC slime. In my experience Verdigris starts as small spots.

 

I think it's a beautiful coin and a better date too! The verdigris is probably from PVC and looks "new" (meaning it probably hasn't damaged the surface of the coin yet) and it should be easy to remove. I agree with soaking it in acetone or Coin Care or VerdiGone, then carefully using a rose thorn to remove any remaining green debris, rinsing with soap and water, patting dry, then sending it to PCGS or NGC for grading.

From the photo, there is underlying luster and the coin does not look porous, so even though one never knows for sure what a TPG will do, I think they will give it a grade, probably AU50/53.

 

So, as an update - I decided to take a few people's advice and soak the coin in acetone. The green goo on the back was definitely PVC contamination - gooey, pliable - and would ultimately corrode the coin. Soaked the coin in a solution of 100% acetone for 1 hour. Removed coin and used a non-abrasive rose thorn to "remove" some of the larger areas of green gunk. Then...used a gentle application of MS70 to remove the rest. Rinsed the coin off in distilled water, then a quick dip in acetone.

I have to say that I am really pleased with the results - here are photos for comparison. Feel free to share any thoughts.

 

I'm not sure where you got the suggestion to use MS70 on copper but IMO, as a result I no longer believe PCGS and NGC will grade it.

 

Honestly, no one here - but a friend who's not online. Did my friend give me awful advice? I've been reading multiple online discussions on this topic...and to say the least the discussion is "interesting." And heated, at times. I'm curious what NGC's methods of detecting the use of MS70 on a coin would be?

 

The bluish tint is an obvious sign of MS70.

 

BTW - I have never submitted a coin for grading. My goal with removing the PVC was not to increase its value or mislead anyone regarding its condition - just to conserve the coin for my own enjoyment (and of others.) I realize that this is a testy issue for many - but I respect those with differing opinions from mine. I feel it would be the same for a mint-condition 1971 El Camino - if I noticed mold growing on the window, or rust growing on the bed, or mice living under the seat...

...well, I'd probably find a new place to store the car first. But I'd try to respectfully preserve the car from further damage from the elements. BTW - I don't agree with harsh cleaning methods, and I tried to do my best not to rub, scrape, or do anything that would affect the actual metal surface of the coin (besides removing the goop!)

Just wanted to say that before anyone jumped down my throat~

 

Oh - and I believe 75% of that bluish tint is the lighting source I'm using. I'm home for the summer and my photog setup is a bit pedestrian. In hand, under normal incandescent lighting...hardly any blue.

 

I agree, this is a very touchy subject, but IMO MS70 is detrimental to copper, and I don't believe a TPG will grade it if there is any sign of a blue tint from MS70.

 

What is MS70?

 

A coin cleaning chemical that strips the original patina on copper.

 

Basically, an industrial strength detergent/enzyme designed for coins. That's how it seems to feel in hand - soapy consistency.

 

Your cent would have to be red to begin with for it to turn pink from acetone conservation. My gut tells me this coin has been cleaned very gently long ago. XF is a bit conservative IMO i would lean towards AU55.

 

Wow read down and saw that you used 70 on that coin! I knew as soon as i saw the pics. That bluish tint is a dead giveaway. I agree with Charmy in that it will probably not holder looking like that. I would put in an album and let it tone up, it will take some years but that coin will be a stunner after it regains a little patina.