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 Replies: 18 / Views: 3,801 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Hello, I am fairly new when it comes to coin collecting and new when it comes to this forum. Over the past few months, I have been buying a few coins from a local dealer. All of the coins came in 2x2s. I prefer Air-tites, so after ordering some, I decide to transfer some of the coins into them. This is where the potential problem is. I read online that you are not supposed to talk around coins or even breathe on them. I had no idea of this. I decided to clear some specks of dust out of the Air-tites by blowing on them with my mouth. I wasn't chewing anything and I did blow into my hand first to make sure I didn't spit on them. Anyway, after the coin was in the Air-tite, I lightly blew on the face of the coin too. I had no idea these coins were this fragile. What harm could I possibly have done, and how will I know if I damaged them or not? The most expensive coin in this lot was an 1889 S Morgan in very fine condition. Nothing too valuable, but I really hope I didn't screw anything up. Thanks for the help guys.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1699 Posts |
I don't think you have anything to worry about as long as there isn't moisture trapped within the airtites. Others may have more experience with long term storage, though.
And Welcome to CCF!
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
If theres any doubt you could always switch them to new air tites if it would help you sleep at night. As long as you didnt get any saliva on them I think you should be fine
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
You probably didn't do too much damage but don't do it again. I sometimes use canned air after insuring any bittering agent has been cleared. Air-Tites are a great way to store coins and a bit of air is useful to clear dust and debris from them before inserting your coins. There are "bulbs" that can be used for this purpose too. http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/ac...4940-productIn the meantime you can always remove your coins from the Air-Tites and and allow them to "breathe" for a few hours to insure no moisture is present. A low humidity environment is preferred of course. Welcome to CCF my friend! |
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
 I think your fine. What I do when I use airtites, I basically take the two half's, and hold them like I'm holding a coin, by it's edge, and just shake it a few times. Sounds over-compulsive and probably is but, I do that to let the air as I'm waving blow out any dust or specs. swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
Your Morgan lasted 124 years with people holding it, putting it in their pockets, flipping it, dropping it , blowing on it and god only knows what else to it. I doubt that what ever you did to it in the minute between the 2X2 and airtite is going to ruin it for " all time"  Oh, and Welcome to the Forum Edited by denco7
02/05/2013 11:32 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3283 Posts |
It's they were High MS blast white you might have a reason to worry.
Circulated coins will be fine.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1721 Posts |
If you need to 'blow' on your coins, you can use a bulb syringe or a watchmakers Feola dust blower. This is a vintage FEOLA dust blower.  And... Edited by mds308
02/05/2013 12:28 pm
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Valued Member
United States
161 Posts |
It'll be fine. They aren't that fragile that air will ruin them. I wouldn't make a habit out of it but I'm sure they'll be ok.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Just don't sneeze.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
613 Posts |
Save the spitting for sidewalks and personal enemies. Just kidding. Letting an airtite breathe for a few minutes before sealing a new coin in it is probably a good idea.
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Valued Member
United States
359 Posts |
I agree with upstate.
I used compressed air in a can before and that is what think led to toning on some of my coins. I then learned that compressed air can contain moisture. I got some that didn't have moisture, but I just stopped using any air to blow off coins. Don't breathe on them, don't touch them... Just put them in a holder. Circulated coins are much more forgiving.
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New Member
United States
24 Posts |
Before enclosing a proof coin in an Airtite, I use a large rubber ear syringe to blow away any dust or lint that might be lurking in the capsule. Lay each half of the capsule with the inside surfaces up, and blow a couple blasts of air straight down on it. Usually leaves it slick as a whistle.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1109 Posts |
Aah, yes, I have done this in the past and then learned the truth. :) I have used a rubber ear syringe too when something needed to be cleared out. As pretty much everyone here said though, I doubt you've done anything bad to your coins, but I don't suggest making a habit of blowing on the coins or their containers.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
May well depend on what you hate right before doing that. If your one of those people that use a lot of Garlic, Onions, hot foods, then it's not your coins to worry about. Could be why you collect coins rather than being with friends.  Just joking I hope. Actually so much does depend on what you did while blowing on them. In possibly most instances, no problem. If your really worried, couldn't cost to much to redo all of them with new items. Usually no need to blow out a 2x2, air-tights, plastic tubes, etc. Most are basically clean enough for coins. I still would do what you did only with some air pumping device if you see dust. Camera departments in most stores carry those little brushes with a bulb for air pressure for cleaning lenses. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1721 Posts |
Quote:
May well depend on what you hate right before doing that. just carl, What if I HATE everything? |
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Replies: 18 / Views: 3,801 |
Posted 02/05/2013 12:44 am
