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 Replies: 19 / Views: 2,924 |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Afternoon;
I wondered if any knowledgeable folks might be able to give me the benefit of their experience as to storing coins?
I have been sorting/cataloguing all of my coins I have had since a kid, and I'm in the process of putting them away individually in small, brown, manilla envelopes.
However, it occured to me (a little late in proceedings since I'm at around coin #200!) that there may be undesirable chemicals in the envelope which will degrade the coins. Someone pointed out to me that PVC affects coins, so might this appply to the gum in the envelope or the chemicals in the paper itself?
Is this the case, or is it safe enough to keep them stored this way?
Any advice is most appreciated.
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Valued Member
United States
339 Posts |
id stick with mylar holders then put into binders or something
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
At the very least I would cut the flap of the envelopes off with the glue on it. I'm not sure what chemicals the envelopes have in them but it is possible they could affect the coins. Binders are great for viewing them all at once, but can get pricey if you have a ton of coins. I think cardboard boxes could be a safe alternative if you start noticing changes
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6381 Posts |
Indeed, the paper envelopes will cause rather unpredictable toning results which sometimes improve the appearance of a coin but more likely will just darken the coin over time. They are not the best choice.
Mylar (not polyethylene!) flips are safe, as are many commercial holders (Eagle, Kointains, etc.). If you elect to have more valuable pieces slabbed by reputable graders (PCGS, NGC, ANACS, or ICG) those holders are also good for long-term storage.
You should keep the coins in an enclosure protected from moisture. If you are using a safe keep a desiccant pack inside it to control humidity. Recharge the desiccant periodically to keep it active.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
Recharge the desiccant periodically to keep it active. Out of curiosity does this just mean change the pack to a new one or is there something you can do to keep it working? |
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
I have a metal container of desiccant that I dry periodically in the oven when the desiccant turns pink.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
Definitely no paper!!! Paper contains sulfur. Sulfur and silver = darkening. Manila, BAD!
Bronze and nickel will also darken.
Gold holds up better, as I discovered while going through my great aunt's coins.
Keep your coins dry. And away from an outside wall if you have cold winters, as condensation will form on the walls.
My hall closet developed mildew along the bottom of the wall.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1200 Posts |
For individual coin protection against atmospheric elements, I think the AirTite and DirectFit capsules are good. Regrettably, I don't think they work with albums (not really sure on that one) but need to be kept loose or in trays or tubes.
For overall atmospheric protection quality storage, I prefer military surplus "ammo cans." Good ones have a robust rubber air-tight gasket and a similarly robust pressure-closure lever device. For their modest cost, I think they're the best deal available at that price level.
You can use "rechargeable" dessicant packs in them, as well. See Midwayuk.com for a variety of such products. They keep stuff really dry and can "be made the equal of new again" through a low-temp toasting in an oven. The products cost more via midwayuk.com than they do via midwayusa.com, but at least you can get them. Other than them, I'm not sure what your availability situation over there is for shooting sports supplies. Midway has the ammo cans, too.
Good luck with your storage quandary...
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Valued Member
 United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Well thank you all! That is slightly depressing since I have folded and written a fair few of these, but c'est la vie! I take it ebay is the best bet for those mylar slips? There is a coin shop not too far away, I'll probably grab some in there then. |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
I forgot to add, is it good practice to give them all a quick dip (in-out) in acetone before storing? I fear that in the week or so they have been lying around, they have been exposed to some dampness, they feel ever so slightly tacky.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
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For individual coin protection against atmospheric elements, I think the AirTite and DirectFit capsules are good. Regrettably, I don't think they work with albums (not really sure on that one) but need to be kept loose or in trays or tubes. They wont work for an actual album like a Dansco, but you can get 3 ring binders with 2X2 pages that they will fit in |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1200 Posts |
Hoo boy! Paul - you just opened the very Gate to Hades itself with the acetone question... That one gets the CCF troops going but good. I'm heading for my bomb shelter. See you later...
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
115 Posts |
Ooops! Now you mention it there was quite a lively response to a different post I made about removing gunk from my 1912-s Wheat penny! I figured that folks got going at the suggestion of CLEANING the coin. I wondered, in this post, about using the acetone not to clean it, but as a way of removing any dust/moisture, and hence preserving its original finish before storage. Anyone else, please don't flay me for asking, I get it that some folks think cleaning coins is sacrilege! |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Anyone arguing against the safe (to your body & household) and intelligent (choosing the right coin) use of acetone doesn't know enough about chemistry.
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Valued Member
United States
70 Posts |
I have a lot of spare U.S. coins in my collection (a lot, at least 1,000? Maybe 700? Don't know how many pennies.) would it be worth it in the long run to put them all in folders like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-2X2-CA...em460a015a1fSome of them are Buffalo nickles, silver coins, and high/good wheat pennies. Some of them aren't that great, but I would like to put them in there. Also, do you close them by stapling them? Edited by TheNumismatic
11/21/2012 9:34 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
 If you like them and want them in there its worth it. The high grade stuff I would definitely put them in their or an album. You just staple the edges to close the cardboard up generally 3 staples is all it takes. You can save a bit of money too if you wanted by using the quarter ones for dimes/nickels/pennies as well unless you want to get the right size for every one |
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Replies: 19 / Views: 2,924 |
Posted 11/17/2012 2:07 pm
