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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,215 |
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Valued Member
United States
226 Posts |
I have a buddy that has a nice set of "Red" MS Two Cent Pieces who is looking for any ideas on how to store them so they will not tone (or tone extremely slowly). He is currently using zip lock bags with "10 gram aluminum indicating silica gel" in his safe. He noticed some toning starting on his red coins today. It has been about 1 month since he last saw his coins and he didn't see any toning then. I suggested using smaller size zip lock bags which snugly fit TPG cases/ individual slabs as a possible first line defense... Followed by a larger container (like tipper wear) with his silica gel packs in it alongside the coins in zip locks. I also said to make sure the small zip locks have as much air removed as possible. Any additional ideas and thoughts on how to store MS "red" coins to prevent/slow toning is greatly appreciated. Also, is anyone aware if certain types of silica gel may actually cause toning itself (possibly due to container construction)? Thanks in advance, we both really appreciate the responses. Mark Edited by Jake the Dog
05/12/2015 10:00 pm
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Well, there's a reason the TPG's don't guarantee "Red" on a copper coin. His best bet is to get them away from oxygen. Ziplocks by all means, but exert every effort to evacuate all possible air from them before sealing. Heck, a vacuum sealer might be in order. |
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Pillar of the Community
861 Posts |
Best protection is a TPG sonically sealed certification holder ie. NGC, PCGS, ANACS. The closest you can get to airtight, the better. Also, storing coins in a temperature-controlled, low-humidity area such as a bank safety deposit box will minimize/delay the oxidation which will turn coins eventually. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1748 Posts |
I agree with super dave, vacuum seal them. If oxygen is not present, it can't do its damage.
Edited by DoubleEagle20
05/12/2015 10:51 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
Look around for Intercept Shield individual holders for certified coins.
One more level of protection.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Quote:Best protection is a TPG sonically sealed certification holder ie. NGC, PCGS, ANACS. The closest you can get to airtight, the better. It's a start, anyway, but you know as well as I that people are artificially toning slabbed coins.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1372 Posts |
Oxygen is one enemy, and humidity (moisture) is the other. The next time you go to your local pharmacy, ask them to save those little dessicant cannisters that come with every shipment. If they're anything like my local pharmacy, you can change them out once a month and never run out of them. I keep a couple dozen in my safe at all times.
This is especially important with the new copper plated aluminum cents. Wherever you have 2 dissimilar metals ... all you need is a little moisture to start the process of electrolysis. I'll bet 95% of these coins will be lost to poor storage looking into the future. The aluminum alloy deteriorates under the copper plating. Cardboard folders are the worst storage method imaginable for those coins.
Chance
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Do as I do. Place them in a Zip Lock plastic bag and push out as much air as possible. Then put that one in another Zip Lock bag and do the same. This means for air to get to it, must enter two different protective sources. I never us any Moisture absorbing items in those. They can be great but also dangerous. You have to remember they only absorb so much moisture then become useless. Actually when full of moisture, and a rise in temperature, they may actually start to emit moisture inside your enclosure. Yes they are good but could, if not maintained, become a culprit in turning the coins dark.
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Valued Member
 United States
226 Posts |
Thanks for the advice! Not sure what my buddy is gonna do yet, but reading this makes me rethink how I have the small amount of 'Red' coins I owned stored. If I get any feedback regarding what works best (versus cost, etc) I will make sure to post another response.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10034 Posts |
I was surprised in how non-airtight Zip Locks can be. I have a long "straw" I keep in my safety deposit. My proof sts, etc. are put into a Zip Lock, and the tube is insrted until it is in the bottom of the bag. I close the top of the bag until only the tube is left sticking out. Because I am too cheap to buy a vacuum pump, and my lungs are always available, I pull air out of the tube continually while drawing the tube up and out of the Zip Lock (no chance of "backwash moisture" this way) while pinching the seal closed on it as it exits. The results looks like a normal, mechanically sealed vacuum bag.
Three months later the process will need repeated. Even double Zip Locks will need this. Maybe its b/c the introduced vacuum is not something the bags are designed to hold so the atmospheric pressure is too much and leaks in?
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,215 |
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Posted 05/12/2015 9:59 pm
