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 Replies: 10 / Views: 6,984 |
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New Member
Canada
46 Posts |
Probably starting to sound naive now, but yeah, does the average bubble wrap contain pvc?
When I buy numismatic items online, they usually come wrapped in bubble wrap, and I usually just keep them wrapped in that and tuck them away in a storage box.
The coins are not in direct contact with the bubble wrap, however, I just wanted a second opinion on this. Thanks!
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Bubble-wrap:
PVC: NO.
Polyethylene: Yes. (same as clip lock food bags)
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New Member
 Canada
46 Posts |
Is Polyethylene by any means dangerous when it comes into contact with coins in the long run?
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1006 Posts |
No it's the chlorine part which reacts with coins so as long as it doesn't contain that you are all good
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Actually, PVC can be injurious to coins in two ways:
1. The plasticzer will gas out over a period of time from months to many years depending on the storage conditions.
It condenses onto coins in an oily form, to re gas leaving a residue behind.
2. The chlorine as mentioned above, can attack coins not as chlorine gas, but in the form of a very slow corrosive chlorinated hydrocarbon. Coins will blacken over a long period.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
When I buy numismatic items online, they usually come wrapped in bubble wrap, and I usually just keep them wrapped in that and tuck them away in a storage box.
The coins are not in direct contact with the bubble wrap, however, I just wanted a second opinion on this. Thanks!
Since you did state the coins are not in direct contact with the bubble rap, not much chance of any problems. I presume the bubble rap was used to hide the fact that there is a coin inside and not to prodect the coin from damage. Usually sellers place the coin in something like a 2x2 flip and if so, could stay there for a long time. Why would you want to keep coins in bubble rap? If in a flip, should be enough protection. In your case the bubble rap just takes up room. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19958 Posts |
Bubble wrap = PE.....safe for coins.
Lincoln Cent Lover!VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/
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Pillar of the Community
United States
898 Posts |
Hey I KNOW that PVC is bad for coins, I just don't know why. Sorry to be so new to everything, what effect do PVC plastics have on coins?
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Moderator
 United States
188770 Posts |
PVC itself is not bad, at least not in its normal rigid state (think of the PVC used for water pipes). To make PVC soft, plasticizers are addded. These plasticizers are the reason why PVC holders deteriorate over time. The resultant goo is bad, very bad.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
898 Posts |
PVC piping okay. Soft PVC bad. I understand. Whitman folders are normally where I store my coins anyways!
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
The plasticizers outgas chemicals which are reactive with silver and copper and will inevitably damage them given time to work. Think of the smell of a new plastic shower curtain/liner - you're smelling these plasticizers. Such a smell on a coin is cause for immediate panic and acetone involvement.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 6,984 |
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Posted 02/07/2014 12:33 am
