1950 Franklin Half Dollar Proof Before And After

Impressive difference. What grade did they give it?

They graded it PR65. I probably should have put that in the original post. IMO this coin should pass at CAC when it is sent. It has a 0% chance at gold, but it's still quite nice with choice surfaces and light contrast

GrapeCollects, could you point me to a reference for using electrolysis for something like this? I'm very familiar with the process in general (I have used electrolysis for years for cleaning heavily corroded metal parts and tools), but never saw it used in this manner. Thanks!

Thanks, and sure! Here's a good video on the subject! Generally, I don't do it myself, I have a friend who works at another shop in Maryland who is excellent with coin conservation and has done some incredible work for me.

Who said "Don't clean coins"?

This is a worthy exception.

So long as you are prepared to take a risk, and know what you are doing.

Ask museums who display ancient coins. They know what they are doing, and what risks are involved.

Doesn't electrolysis remove a layer of metal? If so, how did PCGS not notice that?
John1

You should see my desk!




Yup. In this case I believed that the benefit greatly outweighed the risk, and in this case it did. That's why I took measures carefully and step by step.



I wouldn't consider it impaired as only containments on the surface was removed, not the surface itself. Given the fragile surfaces of proofs, if the surfaces themselves were messed with, it'd be very apparent.





When done improperly, yes it does, when done properly no. Electrolysis has been a method of conservation used for a long time, and NCS and PCGS still use it today for conservation. It's great for removing crust and stubborn haze, but only in certain cases. In this case, I sent the coin to him and asked if he though it'd be safe or effective to try it on this particular coin. He's had decades of experience focused in conservation, and so if he felt that it'd be a good choice I left it to him. The coin post treatment is still fully proofy with zero disruptions in the luster. You would be completely unable to tell this coin from a "fully original" example. Personally though, I much prefer the after to the before, and as this is a coin I purchased for retail, I took the course of action I deemed the best to make the coin the most marketable.




No reason to do so. NGC and PCGS don't put conserved on their slabs when they do, and neither have I. If asked I'd tell the truth and say yes, but when a coin is properly conserved the coin should receive no hairlines or damage and therefor no reduction in grade or comment. Obviously, if a forum member is interested in the coin they would likely be aware since this thread exists, but I think in most cases people would rather have the conserved coin to the unconserved.

Job well done, Grape.