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 Replies: 6 / Views: 1,234 |
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Valued Member
United States
286 Posts |
As might be inferred by my username, I'm a collector of mostly copper US coins, especially EAC. Most of my stuff is either cheap enough or rare enough that grade and eye appeal aren't really an object, and consequently is very circulated, but when I buy uncirculated copper, I strongly prefer it to be either blazing red or monster toned, regardless of the date range I'm looking at. The former in particular I want to be circumspect about, given the tropical climate of my region. I've heard that consistent humidity can cause even slabbed red coins to turn, and the last thing I'd ever want is to be responsible for a coin turning. I've never had any issues with reds turning before, including an NGC 1909 VDB I've had for at least ten years with no extra storage precautions and zero change since I bought it, but if I go for something more expensive than that, I'll definitely want to be more cautious. If I were to take a look at red large copper, for instance, would the pure copper of those coins be more volatile than the 95% bronze of an Indian or Lincoln? Thanks for any advice y'all have. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
999 Posts |
Shouldn't you be fine as long as you store them with desiccant and a portable humidity reader to check the conditions? A dehumidifier may help as well.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Your main problem is you are living in south Florida . Humidity haven . Proper storage is your key to saving and keeping you coppers red . Forget about flips and cardboard 2x2's . your going to need Air-Tights and maybe Koin-tains ,and of course TPG slabs . That's only the first stage , 2nd stage is keep them in PVC FREE plastic box's with plenty of desiccant packs in each box . The dehumidifier big enough to handle the room where the coins are to be stored would be your stage 3 .   Edited by T-BOP
10/19/2018 07:51 am
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Valued Member
 United States
286 Posts |
I wouldn't buy red copper of any legitimate value uncertified in the first place, for fear of it being altered color. Assuming all the concerned coins are slabbed, should putting them first in something like this: 112846547250 and then in this: 113185425592 be sufficient? Along with some desiccant, of course. I've also heard someone mention the strategy of tossing some unholdered, brand new red Zincolns into the box with the coins, so that if turning starts to set in, those unprotected coins will turn far in advance of the slabbed ones, and that's when it's time to take action. Is this a legitimate tactic that works? It sounded pretty clever to me. |
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Valued Member
United States
397 Posts |
I agree with all that has been said. I live in a humid area myself, but not as humid as south Florida. I store my coins in ammo cans, which are airtight with desiccant packs. I make my desiccant packs with 100% silica cat litter and coffee filters. You Tube it and you'll see how it is done. You can make desiccant packs larger and they will do the trick. I would suggest changing them out every year or so.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3323 Posts |
I think sacrificial copper cents are preferred over the copper-plated zinc. I'd be worried about the zinc corrosion long term in close proximity to the desirable items. Hope someone who follows this practice can give more experienced advice.
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I live in a fairly high humidity area. I have electrical dehumidifiers going all the time. So far in well over 60 years I've had no problems with coins changing of any kind.
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Replies: 6 / Views: 1,234 |
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Posted 10/18/2018 10:29 pm
