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 Replies: 20 / Views: 3,926 |
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Valued Member
United States
114 Posts |
My 1990 and at least one more of that era has a green corrosion around the edge of the penny which I've learned here that is called verdigris versus oxidation. I contacted the US Mint and since it's over 7 days since I bought it, their advertising that "The coins are then packaged in a protective lens to showcase and maintain their exceptional finish." is clearly false advertising. Other forums discuss techniques to "CLEAN" it yet very apprehensive of this. Also, since I've collected them for almost 40 years, moving into the silver proof sets in the latter years, I at a loss on how to proceed and considering stopping my subscription at a minimum. I have not inspected all of them to determine the extent of the damage yet. Any others experiencing this and have suggestions? Thank you. This is my first post. Should I attach an image of it?
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Welcome to Coin Community, delkhamm. Yes, please attach images if possible; depending on packaging and storage there's a possibility that the color you see is due to PVC plasticizer outgassing rather than the oxidation process we call "verdigris."
Under normal circumstances, the original Mint packaging should not allow either process. Am I correct in assuming you bought them at time of issue?
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
24885 Posts |
 To the Forum. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
photos would help us answer your questions more precisely. |
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Moderator
United States
188130 Posts |
to the Community! |
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Valued Member
 United States
114 Posts |
     Thanks for the Welcome! I figured out finally figured out with Free Image Optimizer, that I had to "CLICK" on the green arrow on each image to save it because "SAVE ALL IMAGES" doesn't do that, it only allows for that to happen, LOL! Beginner's challenges yet all good and happy that tool was available! So I looked through all my early set through 1997 and found all these 1990 and prior sets to have the issue. I gather the US Mint fixed their packaging defect after that. Probably others should take a look at their proof sets to see how prevalent this is. I don't see any solution other than to accept that the I have five defective mint sets. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
The problem is not the packaging, it is the storage conditions the coins have sat in for the past ~30 years. Those sets have been exposed to a humid environment.
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Moderator
United States
188130 Posts |
The proof set lenses are not and have never been air tight. If they are exposed to high humidity for a long time the moisture will get in. Where was this set stored for the last 27 years?
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Valued Member
United States
114 Posts |
Got it! Thought that they were Air tight. Years ago, I opened my safe and saw a coating on a leather case I had in there. I cleaned it all up and have had a desiccant ever since. My bad. Oh Well. Thanks for clearing this up. Operator error! - Warm best regards! - Del
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Moderator
United States
188130 Posts |
Do you keep the safe indoors where it is climate controlled? This is preferred to a garage, basement, attic, etc. Also, some safes, especially if fire rated, contain moisture in the insulating material. This is to protect paper documents.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Sorry! to the CCF! |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12817 Posts |
Wow, those are some chewed up cents. Good call on the desiccant - you have to be fastidious about that in a humid climate. And make sure to keep it fresh (replace or dry it out periodically). |
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
24885 Posts |
Illustrating ... If you keep coins in a safe ,be sure ..you have those inside  |
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Valued Member
United States
114 Posts |
 Been using this and when it changes from orange to green, I can rejuvenate it by placing it in the oven. Thanks all for you answers and suggestions as well as the warm welcome! In Joy, Del  |
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Valued Member
United States
114 Posts |
Now that I know the cause of the damage, what is my next step?
1. Take it apart and clean it with?
2. Leave it and just realize the value has been lowered?
Thanks!
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Valued Member
United States
119 Posts |
I would replace and buy new sets for the ones that are ruined.
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Replies: 20 / Views: 3,926 |
Posted 09/10/2017 7:33 pm
