Preserving Your 1959 George Washington Steel Restrike: A Conservationist’s Guide

Understanding Your Steel Restrike’s Historical Context

The 1959 George Washington Born Virginia medal restrikes represent a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history. Created by Collis using a steel-to-steel transfer process, these pieces were produced from copy dies made from the original medal. What you have appears to be a test impression or hub trial, possibly created during the production process. The magnetic steel composition confirms its authenticity as part of this restrike series.

The Critical Importance of Proper Storage

I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or storage. Here’s how to keep this safe for the next generation.

Understanding Toning and Oxidation

Steel, unlike precious metals, is highly susceptible to oxidation and rust. The granular texture you’ve observed on Washington’s bust is particularly concerning, as it may indicate early oxidation beginning to take hold. Steel restrikes require a completely different preservation approach than silver or copper medals.

The bar code-like marking on the side of your piece is likely a production mark from the original manufacturing process. While intriguing, it should never be cleaned or altered, as this would destroy valuable provenance information.

PVC Damage: The Silent Killer

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is found in many coin holders and flips. When exposed to heat and moisture, PVC can break down and release hydrochloric acid, which will cause irreversible damage to steel surfaces. Your piece must never be stored in standard PVC-containing materials.

Proper Holders for Steel Restrikes

For steel restrikes, I recommend the following storage solutions:

• Archival-quality mylar flips specifically labeled as PVC-free
• Acid-free paper envelopes for long-term storage
• Silica gel packets in your storage container to control humidity
• Never store in basements or attics where temperature and humidity fluctuate

To Clean or Not to Clean: The Conservationist’s Perspective

This is where I must be absolutely clear: do not clean this piece under any circumstances. The granular texture, while unusual, may be original to the manufacturing process or could represent valuable information about how the piece was created. Cleaning could:

• Remove original surface characteristics that help authenticate the piece
• Accelerate deterioration by removing protective oxide layers
• Significantly reduce the piece’s numismatic value
• Destroy the bar code marking that may be crucial for provenance

If you’re concerned about active corrosion, consult a professional conservator who specializes in metal artifacts. They can apply appropriate treatments that won’t damage the piece’s integrity.

Environmental Control: The Key to Preservation

Humidity Management

Steel is extremely sensitive to humidity. Maintain storage conditions at 45-55% relative humidity. Use a hygrometer to monitor conditions, and consider a small dehumidifier for your collection area if you live in a humid climate.

Temperature Stability

Avoid temperature extremes. The ideal range is 65-70°F (18-21°C). Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation, which accelerates corrosion.

Light Exposure

While steel doesn’t tone like silver or copper, UV light can still cause surface degradation over time. Store your piece in a dark location or use UV-filtering materials for display.

Handling and Examination

Always handle your steel restrike with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves. The oils from your skin can accelerate corrosion, particularly on steel surfaces. When examining the piece, work on a clean, soft surface to prevent scratches.

The crack you’ve observed running from between “O” and “R” in “Born” through Washington’s hairline and shoulder is particularly interesting. This may indeed be related to die deterioration or could represent stress from the manufacturing process. Document this feature with high-quality photographs, but do not attempt to clean or alter it in any way.

Documentation and Provenance

Maintain detailed records of your piece, including:

• High-resolution photographs from multiple angles
• Measurements and weight
• Any markings or unusual features
• Purchase information and provenance
• Storage conditions and any conservation work performed

This documentation will be invaluable for future collectors and may help establish the piece’s historical significance within the 1959 restrike series.

Insurance and Security

Given the potential rarity and historical significance of your steel restrike, consider having it professionally appraised and insured. Standard homeowner’s insurance often doesn’t cover numismatic items adequately.

Conclusion: Preserving History for Future Generations

Your 1959 George Washington steel restrike represents a unique piece of numismatic history. The granular texture, the bar code marking, and the observed crack all contribute to its story and potential significance within the Collis restrike series. By following proper conservation practices – avoiding cleaning, controlling environmental conditions, using appropriate storage materials, and documenting thoroughly – you’re ensuring that this piece remains available for study and appreciation by future collectors and historians.

Remember that sometimes the most valuable contribution you can make to the numismatic community is simply preserving a piece in its original condition, allowing researchers to study manufacturing techniques and production variations that might otherwise be lost to aggressive cleaning or improper storage. Your careful stewardship of this steel restrike helps preserve not just a coin, but a piece of American medallic art history.

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