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 Replies: 20 / Views: 4,738 |
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New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Newbie here! I recently inherited coins that came from a pipe smoker. Unfortunately, some of the coins and cases experienced some water damage. The coins seem to look fine, but the cases are rusted in some spots and smell moldy and smokey, or the coin holders are broken. So, my question on this is: Based on the example photos I have provided, how should I proceed with storing these coins, especially commemorative sets with cases that smell or are broken? Should I have some graded to get them out of their current environment and have them properly labeled? Should I just put them in new airtite holders and store them in a dry environment? I have more coins than shown, but this is what I am up against on some of my collection. Thanks for the advice.      |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5239 Posts |
You will never get the smoke/ mold smell out the cases. They should be tossed. Smell should not be absorbed into the coins, so start off with putting the coins into new capsules/ 2x2s. Perhaps the hard plastic can be washed/ given a suntan and that may get the smell out, but not the cloth cases.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
 I don't know how much you know about coins so...ignore this if you already know. Do Not wipe the coins with anything in an attempt to clean them and Do Not use any kind of polish or cleaner on them. The silver coins may tone (change color) and I don't think there's much you can do to stop that. That's not so bad because some collectors like that. The broken cases are probably best left alone. Air them out somewhere dry. I wouldn't bother getting anything graded that wasn't worth quite a bit of money -- unless you want to do that just for yourself. It can cost a lot and will not necessarily add to the value of the coin. But you should get those coins out of the wet holders and let them air dry on a nice soft towel. Wait for a second opinion.  I'm not 100% sure I got this right. |
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New Member
 United States
6 Posts |
I should clarify that nothing is no longer wet. This happened about 3 or 4 years ago and I happen to inherit them late last year. Now they just smell terrible.
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Moderator
 United States
34397 Posts |
@genericnewbie, I had a similar issue with a book that I purchased. I had to leave it open outside (only on nice days) for weeks to get the stink out. There is still a lingering scent, but it is much better. Not sure on your stuff, but a little sunshine might help!
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12815 Posts |
It's hard to say without seeing/smelling them in person. If the packaging was damaged by water, it may be best to just separate the coins from the packaging and find a new way to hold/store/display them. For most OGP of modern releases, it needs to be in near mint condition to add value. |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Toss the cases. You can sometimes find empty cases on the bay if you want to replace them. The 1926 set is pretty easy to replace. I think I would leave the coins alone. John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
I have used "Kitty Litter" to remove odours from fridges and iceboxes, Maybe it will work with these  |
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Pillar of the Community
Norway
1358 Posts |
I wouldn't spray fabreeze on coins (no idea if it sets off some chemical reaction and wouldn't take the chance) and wouldn't put them in the kitty litter either (think of all the scratches), but I certainly would try to give the coins some fresh air. If those cases aren't made to fit with the coin (old cigar cases with water damage and so), I'd toss them instantly and find something new. In case they came with the coin - try to find out if you can buy a replacement somewhere ( ebay or so?) if it's important to you (I personally don't care about cases for coins). Otherwise, try to save the certificates (especially the numbered ones for limited coinage) and find a new home for them. That's what I would do, at least. A final thing to try is to start a worldwide movement on coin smelling. We already have some movement on coin toning and one on lowballs (heavily used and worn coins), so why not smelly ones? Hope it helps! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
I was kidding with the fabreese obviously. These are ruined. The only thing to do is trash the ogp and put in new airtites. Period. If you don't have a sentimental attachment I'd just sell them all raw and take what I get. Sucks but it's better than if say they were in a house fire
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Valued Member
United States
354 Posts |
I agree with Cascade. Maybe you can get new Air-Tites or 2 x 2s.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
I would take the coins out of the 1926 set and give them a good Acetone bath ,then clean plastic case with distilled water and very soft cloth. make sure it's dried good then replace coins.
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Moderator
United States
187862 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Norway
1358 Posts |
Quote:
I was kidding with the fabreese obviously. Thanks for that. I've seen people do much worse stuff to coins and other collectibles. Even professionals at work... Story time: here in Norway we have an online shop that sells 'joy of collecting' (samleglede), mainly with coins. Every single 'old' coin they'll send you has been at least chemically cleaned and sometimes even further adjusted, just to look as good as possible for the untrained eye. They sell them at premium prices, of course... Oh, and they smell pretty neutral, by the way.  |
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New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Wow! Thanks for all the advice. There are some with certificates and am concerned on storing those coins separate from the certificates, which has led me to research those for grading; I feel I have a few that are worth grading, but at least getting them in air-tites would be best for preservation and presentation. What will acetone do to the coins and how long should they be bathed in it? What's the process/timing for this? If I were to send in a coin that was bathed in acetone, will they doc the coin's condition for this?
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Replies: 20 / Views: 4,738 |
Posted 06/19/2016 7:40 pm
