How to Properly Store and Preserve Medals from Mount Vernon: Defeating Tone, PVC, and Oxidation for Generations to Come

I’ve spent years handling and appraising historical medals, and I’ve seen far too many valuable pieces ruined by improper care. It breaks my heart when a beautiful piece loses its eye appeal simply because someone didn’t take the time to store it right. Here is how to keep your Washington and Mount Vernon medals safe for the next generation.

When you stand before the legacy of George Washington at Mount Vernon and hold a historically significant medal—perhaps one crafted by Joseph H. Merriam in 1860, or struck by George Hampden Lovett under the direction of Augustus Sage—you aren’t just holding an object. You are holding a piece of American history. These artifacts are numismatic treasures that tell the story of our nation’s founding.

However, history is fragile. Without proper conservation, even the most meticulously handled medal can suffer irreversible damage from toning, oxidation, and environmental hazards like PVC off-gassing. My mission as a conservationist and numismatist is simple: ensure these precious pieces survive the ravages of time so collectors, historians, and future generations can continue to appreciate their profound significance. This guide will walk you through the essential preservation strategies for your Washington and Mount Vernon medals, focusing on defeating tone, preventing PVC damage, and knowing when to clean or leave alone.

Understanding the Threat: Toning and Oxidation on Historical Metalwork

When discussing the preservation of medals, the first line of defense is understanding the natural processes of toning and oxidation. For centuries, copper and its alloys have reacted with their environment, developing a protective patina. On a medal honoring Washington, this patina tells its own story—a story of American history unfolding across the centuries. However, this same reaction can lead to unsightly corrosion if left unchecked. Toning occurs when sulfur compounds, moisture, or other atmospheric pollutants react with the copper surface, causing a darkening or greenish discoloration. Oxidation, on the other hand, is the chemical reaction of the metal with oxygen, leading to tarnishing and the formation of verdigris—the blue-green patina famously associated with ancient copper coins.

In my experience grading and evaluating historical medals, I’ve noticed the degree and rate of toning vary drastically depending on the alloy composition and the microclimate of storage. For instance, a highly circulated Washington medal may develop a robust, deep brown tone, while a newly acquired museum piece might exhibit a lighter, more uniform oxidation. The key to preservation is recognizing that toning isn’t inherently bad; it is often a sign of age and historical integrity. The goal of a conservator is never to strip away this patina to reveal a “brilliant” surface, but rather to stabilize it and halt further degradation. Exposing a medal to fluctuating humidity or direct sunlight accelerates the oxidation process, causing the metal to flake, pit, or lose its intricate details. To protect these delicate historical layers, you must control the environment where the medal rests.

The Silent Killer in Your Display Cases: PVC Damage

If there is one preservation hazard that collectors must vigilantly avoid, it is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). Many display cases, frames, and even some types of plastic coin flips contain PVC. Over decades, PVC off-gasses hydrochloric acid. This invisible gas attacks metal surfaces, etching and corroding them from the inside out. I have examined countless collections where a perfectly preserved medal was ruined simply because it was stored in a standard plastic holder. The acid residue left behind not only causes pitting but also accelerates the oxidation process, making the toning darker and more uneven.

When considering how to store your Mount Vernon medals, you must eliminate PVC entirely. Never use standard plastic frames or holders labeled “PVC-free,” as many cheap alternatives still contain trace amounts of this dangerous polymer. Instead, opt for archival-quality materials. Mylar-based flips, acid-free cardboard, and inert polypropylene holders are the gold standard. For a custom display of a Washington medal or Admiral medal, ensure the materials are rated for long-term archival storage. By replacing PVC with inert materials, you prevent the off-gassing of hydrochloric acid, thereby protecting the intricate strike details and preserving the medal’s historical integrity for the next century.

To Clean or Not to Clean: A Conservationist’s Philosophy

One of the most common questions I receive from collectors is whether they should clean their historical medals. The short answer is simple: leave the patina alone. In numismatic conservation, we adhere to the principle of minimal intervention. When you clean a valuable medal, you risk removing the historical evidence of its age and use. Furthermore, modern cleaning methods often involve abrasives or harsh chemicals that can scratch the high relief of a Washington portrait or dissolve the delicate strike of a medal minted by George Hampden Lovett.

The medals displayed at Mount Vernon—whether they are the commemorative pieces honoring Washington or the Admiral medals commemorating naval history—were often handled by thousands of hands before entering museum vaults. They carry the oils, dirt, and handling marks of their provenance. Attempting to “restore” them to a bright, shiny state usually results in the loss of irreplaceable detail. If a medal appears dirty, the safest approach is gentle, localized dust removal using a soft, dry brush, such as an anti-static museum brush. Do not use commercial cleaners, dips, or ultrasonic cleaners on historical medals unless they have been specifically treated by a professional conservator. Leaving the toning and oxidation intact isn’t a flaw; it is a testament to the artifact’s journey through American history. Preserving the past means accepting the past.

The Importance of Proper Holders and Archival Encapsulation

Even if you understand the dangers of toning and PVC, poor storage practices can undo all your preservation efforts. Proper holders are the physical armor your medals need. An improperly sized holder can allow the medal to shift, chipping the rim or abrading the surface during transport. Conversely, a holder that is too tight can stress the metal, causing micro-fractures that accelerate oxidation.

When storing your collection, I recommend using high-quality, archival-grade Mylar flips with a snug, three-clasp mechanism. These flips provide excellent protection against light exposure, which can cause fading, and physical contact. Inside the flip, place a piece of inert foam or acid-free felt to cradle the medal securely. For larger or more fragile pieces, such as the Joseph H. Merriam 1860 tomb medal, consider mounting them in inert acrylic blocks. These blocks are optically clear, non-reactive, and let you view the medal without risking accidental contact. By investing in proper holders, you ensure that the medal remains stable, secure, and free from the mechanical stress that could otherwise trigger further toning or corrosion.

The Historical Value of Patina: Lessons from J.R. Snowden and the 1858 Collection

To fully appreciate the importance of preservation, we must look at the broader historical context of these medals. In forum discussions surrounding Mount Vernon, mention was made of J.R. Snowden’s 1858 Washington Medal Collection plan, which included duplicate sets for Mount Vernon. Snowden understood the value of these artifacts, but his legacy also highlights the fragility of numismatic history. When artifacts are moved, exposed to varying climates, or improperly stored, the historical context they represent begins to degrade.

A well-toned Washington medal can command a premium in numismatic value precisely because it reflects the passage of time and the historical reality of its circulation. A brilliant, untoned medal might suggest it was recently cleaned or artificially stabilized, diminishing its authenticity and historical narrative. By properly preserving the toning and oxidation, you preserve the very essence of the medal’s story. You are allowing the copper to speak for itself—telling the story of the Mint, the era, and the historical figures it honors. Preservation isn’t just about preventing decay; it’s about maintaining the soul of the artifact.

Actionable Takeaways for Collectors and Investors

As a conservationist, I always provide actionable steps to protect your collection. Here is what you need to do immediately to safeguard your Mount Vernon medals:

• Audit Your Storage Materials: Check every box, case, and flip in your collection for PVC. Replace any suspect materials immediately with Mylar flips, acid-free cardboard, or inert acrylic blocks to protect your medals’ mint condition.
• Control the Environment: Invest in a basic dehumidifier for your display area or storage safe. Maintain a stable relative humidity between 35% and 45%. Fluctuations in humidity are the primary driver of accelerated toning and oxidation, which can dull your medal’s luster.
• Revisit Cleaning Protocols: Stop using any abrasive tools, commercial dips, or ultrasonic cleaners on your historical medals. If a medal looks dusty, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or an anti-static brush.
• Invest in Archival Mounts: Ensure every medal is held in a proper, archival-quality holder. Do not let a medal hang by a string or sit on a bare table where it can be knocked or exposed to light, which ruins its eye appeal.
• Educ Yourself on Patina: Recognize that toning and oxidation are indicators of age and historical value, not defects to be removed. Educate other collectors in your network about the dangers of improper cleaning, and remember that a well-preserved patina enhances a medal’s collectibility and rare variety.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Our Numismatic Legacy

Visiting Mount Vernon and seeing the medals that honor George Washington, the Admiral, and the architectural history of the estate is a profound experience. These medals are more than metal and engraving; they are windows into the 19th-century American consciousness. Joseph H. Merriam’s 1860 tomb medal, struck by Lovett under the direction of Augustus Sage, and the various Washington commemorative pieces are irreplaceable fragments of our heritage.

However, heritage cannot survive without proper care. The ravages of time, improper storage, and the silent acid attack of PVC can turn these beautiful historical artifacts into mere shadows of their former selves. By adopting the conservationist mindset—understanding the chemistry of toning and oxidation, eliminating PVC, respecting the patina, and utilizing proper archival holders—you ensure that these medals remain vibrant, detailed, and historically significant for generations to come. Remember, the goal of preservation isn’t to freeze the artifact in time, but to halt the destructive forces of decay so that the story of Mount Vernon and its heroes continues to unfold for the next collector who picks up the medal. Protect your investment, protect your history, and preserve the past for the future.

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