Preserving History: Expert Conservation Guide for the 1819 R Brazil 960 Reis Overstruck Chile Volcano Peso

I’ve Seen Too Many Valuable Pieces Ruined: A Conservationist’s Plea

As a professional numismatist and conservation specialist with decades of experience, I’ve witnessed countless historical treasures diminished by well-intentioned but misguided preservation attempts. The 1819 R Brazil 960 Reis overstruck on an 1818 FD Chile Volcano Peso represents one of the most fascinating – and fragile – numismatic artifacts of the South American independence era. Today, I’ll share hard-won knowledge to protect these irreplaceable pieces of history.

Historical Significance: A Coin Born from Revolution

This remarkable coin embodies the turbulent transition from colonial rule to independence. Struck in 1819 at the Rio de Janeiro Mint (indicated by the “R” mintmark), the 960 Reis denomination was overstruck on Chilean Volcano Pesos dated 1818 – coins that themselves had become obsolete almost immediately after production due to Chile’s declaration of independence in 1818. The Brazilian Empire’s practice of reusing existing silver coinage (primarily Spanish colonial 8 Reales from Mexico, Peru, and Chile) created these historically layered artifacts.

As noted in collector discussions, the visibility of the undertype dramatically affects both historical interest and market value. The Chilean Volcano Peso undertype (featuring the distinctive Cordillera de los Andes volcanic motif) represents a scarcer base coin compared to more common Mexican or Peruvian 8 Reales undertypes. Richard G. Levy’s specialized reference work on 960 Reis varieties has become essential for understanding these nuances.

Identifying Key Markers

When examining these overstrikes, collectors should look for:

• The “UNION” Legend: Partial remains of this inscription from the Chile Volcano Peso often provide the clearest evidence of the undertype
• Volcanic Contours: Subtle topological variations in the central fields may reveal the underlying mountain design
• Edge Alignment: Careful rotation under angled light often reveals ghostly traces of the original Chile Peso’s pillars or peripheral text
• Date Ghosting: As demonstrated in forum images, the 1818 date can sometimes be detected near the rim at approximately 4 o’clock on the obverse

The Preservation Imperative: Four Critical Threats

1. Toning: Nature’s Double-Edged Sword

The beautiful original surfaces noted in forum discussions represent decades of natural toning – a chemical reaction between silver and atmospheric sulfur compounds. While attractive rainbow toning can enhance value (as seen in the XF45 example), improper storage accelerates this process into damaging oxidation.

“I love the patina!” – Forum Collector Comment

Conservation Protocol: Maintain stable humidity below 55% using silica gel packets in storage areas. Never attempt to “even out” toning through artificial means.

2. The PVC Time Bomb

Many collectors unknowingly store coins in old plastic flips containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). As forum images show, these 960 Reis specimens often have delicate original surfaces particularly vulnerable to PVC damage. The plasticizer chemicals migrate over time, creating sticky green residue that etches into the metal permanently.

Emergency Response: If you detect PVC contamination (greasy surface, acidic odor):

• Immediately isolate the coin
• Consult a professional conservator
• Never use solvents – improper cleaning destroys numismatic value

3. Holder Selection: Archival-Grade Protection

The NGC AU58 example shown in forum images demonstrates proper modern storage. Key holder specifications:

• Materials: Inert polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, or Teflon
• ISO 18902 certification for photographic materials
• Non-PVC plastic for direct contact surfaces
• Edge-sealed design preventing air infiltration

For raw coins like the XF45 specimen, acid-free paper envelopes (glassine) provide short-term protection, but should be transitioned to archival plastic for long-term preservation.

4. The Cleaning Conundrum

Forum participants rightly celebrate the coin’s “overall quality original surfaces.” Any cleaning – no matter how gentle – permanently alters these surfaces. NGC and PCGS routinely downgrade cleaned coins, with market value reductions up to 75% for harshly cleaned examples.

Conservationist Verdict: Never clean collectible silver coins. Surface dirt should only be removed by professional conservators using museum-grade techniques when absolutely necessary for stabilization.

Environmental Control: Beyond Basic Storage

Advanced collectors should implement:

• Climate-controlled cabinets maintaining 21°C ±2° with <50% RH
• Oxygen absorbers in storage containers
• Annual inspections under 10x magnification
• UV-filtered lighting in display areas

Collectibility and Value Preservation

As forum commentary notes, visible undertypes command significant premiums. Well-preserved examples like the Volcano Peso overstrike discussed here represent excellent long-term investments when properly conserved:

• General XF45 960 Reis: $800-$1,200
• With identifiable Chile Volcano undertype: $1,500-$2,500
• NGC AU58 with clear undertype details (as won on Heritage): $3,000-$4,500

The market consistently rewards original surfaces and clear undertype visibility – both attributes directly dependent on proper conservation practices.

Conclusion: Stewardship for the Next Generation

The 1819 R Brazil 960 Reis overstruck on Chile Volcano Pesos offers a tangible connection to South America’s revolutionary period. By implementing these preservation techniques, collectors become true custodians of history. Remember: every fingerprint, every improper cleaning attempt, every day in a PVC flip chips away at both financial value and historical integrity. Treat these numismatic treasures with the reverence they deserve, and they’ll continue telling their stories for centuries to come.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Decoding Value: How Undertype Visibility Turns an 1819 Brazil 960 Reis Overstrike Into a $1,000 Treasure – Condition is everything in numismatics—but nowhere does this truth shine brighter than with one of our hobby’s mos…
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