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 Replies: 10 / Views: 7,988 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Hopefully this is the appropriate place to post this question. I opened my binder of silver eagles for the first time in a few years and saw some sort of tarnish on the edges of my coins. When I purchased these coins this tarnish was not there. The binder I'm using is a Dansco 7181. My questions are.... Is this sort of tarnish normal? Or is it the result of how I stored my coins? If so, is there a better way to store my collection so that this does not happen? Thanks. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2311 Posts |
Maybe air-tight holders would work. My American silver eagles sadly have it too :(
P.s, Welcome!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
It is called toning and in some coins it increases the value of a coin. Some people like it , like the beautiful patina on an antique piece of copper, others just want to scrub it shiny clean.
Handling coins without gloves leaves oils on the coin and high moisture storage speed up this natural process. I am one of the no toning people, I keep my coins in airtites capsules and handle them minimumly with gloves or by the edges.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
Tarnish around the edge of a coin occurs when the chemical content of the cardboard in an album reacts
with silver, a very reactive metal.
I am puzzled that a Dansco Album would still contain sulfur, and was common in much older albums.
Humidity is a factor. Did you store the album on the floor or someplace higher?
In a cold climate, the possibility of mold may occur if the storage area is along side an outside wall.
Caused by condensation on cold metal.
I just looked at your example. That is EXACTLY what I am talking about.
Personally, I like a little bit of tarnish as it is proof that a coin was not cleaned.
But then, I prefer high grade circulated coins to strictly mint state.
Other members may tell you to "dip" the coin to remove the tarnish. I have no opinion
to offer about the practice.
Don't worry too much about it.
Welcome to the CCF. Enjoy and learn.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3278 Posts |
Toning is a natural process and in some cases (not necessarily with ASE's) very useful in determining original surfaces. It is hastened by moisture and oxygen so minimizing the catalyst will slow the effect. Some use those silica packs to keep collections as dry as possible or wrap collections in baggies with the air pushed out. Shrink wrapping perhaps? The color of the toning has to do with other chemicals in the air, for instance, in the presence of sulfur coins tone colorfully. There are a ton of discussions here about toning, due largely because people doctor coins artificially using heat and chemicals, as well as differences in opinion of whether or not toning adds eye appeal. Do a search and have a ball reading. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10034 Posts |
This is exactly why I eventually want to get all my better stuff out of albums and have not invested a lot of money into any brand. The Dansos I have were 5.00 used albums and I don't mind keeping circulated coins in them. I put all my best stuff into 2X2s. I eventually plan on making my own plexiglass holders for sets.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4901 Posts |
Tarnish or toning is normal when ANY silver is exposed to the atmosphere. I have a bunch of ASE's in Ait Tite plastic capsules (like the ones the ASE's from the Mint come in) and I have never seen one tone... As was mentioned some collectors will pay a premium for nicely toned Eagles...some think it's tarnish...personal preference Here's an open capsule I left on my desk and a pic of the reverse that was not exposed (same coin):   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
613 Posts |
Great "before" and "afters" photos. I have the exact same situation as the OP. Dansco album, protective slipcase. Stored in a light-shielded bookcase. Humidity's high, though here in New York near the Great Lakes. I want my coins reasonably accessible, so I'm not going to cocoon them in shrinkwrap, etc etc!  I guess it's something to live with. |
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
Thank you all for the welcomes/replies. To answer a few of your questions... These coins are stored on my bookshelf in my study, there is no humidity control and the bookcase is not light-shielded. I live near Boston MA and it can get very humid in the summer and very dry in the winter. Regarding my preference, I probably fall into the "no tarnish" category, hence my shock/surprise/concern to see my coins in this state. I guess I should look for a better binder to display them in. Suggestions anyone?
Edited by nater
02/05/2013 3:11 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4901 Posts |
As far as I know no "binder" is air tight...If you do not like toning then use Air Tites to minimize it... ..and I also live south of Boston so we have the same "air" |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
If I wanted to use air tites to hold my coins, which one would I buy? There are ring and direct fit air tites... http://www.air-tites.com/air-tite_c....URJa2ZERr2EWhat is the difference between the two? Is one better than another? I'm leaning toward getting the direct fit ones and buying an air tite album to display them in. Thanks. Edited by nater
02/06/2013 08:39 am
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Replies: 10 / Views: 7,988 |
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Posted 02/05/2013 11:18 am
