How Can I Tell If My 2x2s Are PVC?

As far as I know, PVC was never used for cardboard 2x2 holders. However, it is/was common in the 2x2 flip.

Regardless, most (if not all) cardboard 2x2 holders now use Mylar (or some other brand of BoPET). Not sure what was used before.

I've never see a PVC cardboard holder. Now fold over flips with pockets are another story. What you have is most certainly Mylar film, very thin hand strong saran wrap type film, though much stiffer and less wrinkles than saran wrap.

Safe-T flips that are PVC free are quite brittle and will crack if bent repeatedly.

PVC or vinyl flips are soft and have an underwater like apearance to them when viewed through at a distance like a window. They are used by many dealers as they are okay for short term storage only (dealers tend to go through stock pretty regularly), but a huge NO-NO for long term storage. Anyone that is dealing with many coins at once prefers the PVC flips as they are supple and easy to pop coins in and out of easily and without cutting up one's cuticles. Just never store your coins in them long term, or anywhere near a heat source. The plastic PVC isn't the issue, it's the out gassing that can occur - it turns into a hydrochloric acid that has a green sticky look and will etch into a coins surface causing pitting or other damage which is almost impossible to reverse or remove without further damaging the coin.

When in doubt toss the holder and get some you are sure about for storage.

I know this an old thread but for anyone listening, I'm pretty sure the coin flips and 2x2s by BCW are made with PVC!

jbuck I got the 2x2s by BCW one time and they smelled like a shower curtain. I waited tpo long to return them, so I couldn't, so I just threw them out.