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 Replies: 9 / Views: 2,994 |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1610 Posts |
I saw this pic of a Singapore Mint set for sale. A classic case of damage from clorine leaking from the PVC plastic. People say keep the coins in the sets as the coins are devalued when removed from the set but when I see pics like this I wonder if that's the best option.  Am wondering what my fellowexperienced collectors do and what their advice is. Pics like this give me the gitters.  Edited by David Graham
07/12/2020 4:08 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
7935 Posts |
In that condition, I think the coins are almost worthless. SO if they can be cleaned up and sold as mint state, yes, I think this is a good example where you take apart the set.
It is the dioctylphthalate (plasticizer) that exudes from the PVC, I think. Not chlorine which is chemically bound to the plastic.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6525 Posts |
I buy these sets all the time. The coins go right into acetone. But I don't think I ever got a set in that bad of shape
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Moderator
Australia
16809 Posts |
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People say keep the coins in the sets as the coins are devalued when removed from the set... These people are almost always wrong. It may seem strange, even perverse, but coins from mint sets are usually worth more when broken up and sold individually, than when sold as a set. There are coin dealers and eBayers out there that make a significant portion of their profits from doing exactly this. A mint set might be worth $10 (in good condition), but the individual coins in the set might be sellable for $20 to $30, total. The same goes for collector-assembled date sets of circulation coins. A set that is sold will almost never be on-sold as an intact set, it is more valuable when broken up. What is true under normal circumstances is especially true for sets with damaged housing. Plasticizer-laced sets such as this are a good example. That set case is worth negative value - anyone making an offer for it will be asking you to pay them to take that ugly thing off your hands. It has already damaged the coins as much as it is capable of doing so, but it has been itself ruined in the process. Take the coins out, and throw the case in the bin with no regrets. Quote:
But I don't think I ever got a set in that bad of shape Then count yourself lucky that you live in a relatively cool, dry part of the world. I'm from Queensland, Australia, where the climate is similar to Florida, only even hotter and wetter in parts. Around here, someone buying coins and storing them in non-climate-controlled conditions for a few decades will probably have their coins in "bad cases" ending up looking much like this. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5239 Posts |
The coins are nearly worthless covered in green slime. This kind of green slime comes off very well in acetone, in my experience.
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Pillar of the Community
 Australia
1610 Posts |
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In that condition, I think the coins are almost worthless.
The coins are nearly worthless covered in green slime.
Seller wants $20 for them.  What contition are the coins left once the slime is removed? And as fellow queenslander  with the issue of heat and humudity. Thanks for the feedbak. |
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Moderator
Australia
16809 Posts |
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What contition are the coins left once the slime is removed? The "green slime" is a chemical reaction between the acidic plasticizer goo and the metal in the coin. The goo will come off in acetone, but the coins will no longer be technically Uncirculated. The acid will likely have etched away at the metal underneath the goo. Whether this will be noticeable by eye or not, depends on the particulars of the coin (design relief, where the high points are, etc). If they were proof coins, the problem would be worse as the acidic etching severely disrupts mirrored surfaces. From experience, Singapore Mint coins are rather matte in appearance so the damage may not be too visible. The 1 cent coin will be heavily stained and probably be a write-off. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
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The coins are nearly worthless covered in green slime. This kind of green slime comes off very well in acetone, in my experience. Acetone will clean off the slime. The problem is, how far has the corrosion eaten in the surface of the coins. You may clean it only to find pitting. |
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Pillar of the Community
4628 Posts |
Anything like that is liberated from its packaging for me - I take out the coins and let them settle for a day in fresh air - then add them to new mylar flips.
Heaps of 1960s and 1970s cheaper grade (Uncirculated etc) were put in cheap PVC or acetone wrappers. Even worse is this set has no closed pockets meaning the coins were always exposed to the air.
Plus they are cupronickel and thus mostly copper - so verdigris has taken hold. Plus its Singapore - so even more humid and hot. Those coins are beyond selvedge and good for selling to scrap metal only sadly.
It is tragic to see that.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1610 Posts |
Thanks. I suspect there will be significant tarnishing when the green goo is removed. Besides, I can pick up similar sets for the same price (or cheaper) that don't come with the green goo. I will definitely be removing coins from sets like these and placing them in coin friendy storage.  Edited by David Graham
07/12/2020 10:50 pm
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Replies: 9 / Views: 2,994 |
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Posted 07/12/2020 4:35 pm
