Effects Of Short/Long-Term Temperature Fluctuations On Appearance Of Coins

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Author	Replies: 8 / Views: 988
Reedbeard08 Valued Member United States 143 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 08:32 am Hello everyone, hope it's a good day :) I've been running coins out of a basement to examine them in a partially heated room. I'd say the basement runs around 20 degrees, while the exterior area is 60-65 (Fahrenheit in all units). I've noticed a sheen, almost like an oil slick, has started appearing on more coins than I expected. They have been stored in different ways, but most of the effected are AU and above. Is this a temporary discoloration? Is this temperature related at all? I suppose I'm looking for answers about the effects of changing temperatures on metals. Happy to provide further information or pictures - I hate to be vague, but the problem and question seem general enough to try and pull some information from you folks before digging further into causes. Thanks in advance for your time and contemplation; on an unrelated note, after 50 posts, I still think this community is full of some great people. Glad to be aboard Report this Post to the Staff

tdziemia Pillar of the Community United States 7935 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 09:00 am My best guess is that something is condensing on the surface when you bring the cold coins into a warmer room. This kind of temperature fluctuation should not affect the metal to the best of my knowledge. Edited by tdziemia 02/12/2021 09:02 am Report this Post to the Staff
TNG Bedrock of the Community United States 10284 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 10:06 am When my coin mail arrives, I leave the package unopened for a few hours in the cooler part of the house. There is a slower adjustment in temperature. This goes both ways, hot or cold outside. I would suggest a gradual transition over time when moving them. Maybe some kind of cooler. Take the cooler downstairs and put the coins in and close it and bring it up and let it sit in a less warm area for awhile. Report this Post to the Staff
ijn1944 Bedrock of the Community United States 19129 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 11:03 am Would really love to see some photos of what you're encountering. Thanks. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 187862 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 11:17 am Quote: I'd say the basement runs around 20 degrees, while the exterior area is 60-65 Quote: My best guess is that something is condensing on the surface when you bring the cold coins into a warmer room. If these temperatures are correct, an item will attract condensation when taken from long-term storage at 20°F into an area that is 65°F with a relative humidity greater than 18%. http://www.dpcalc.org/ Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
tdziemia Pillar of the Community United States 7935 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 12:07 pm If you leave them in the 60-65 degree room for a day, what happens? DO they still have the sheen? Report this Post to the Staff
ijn1944 Bedrock of the Community United States 19129 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 12:28 pm Hate to be a pest... Any chance we could see a few photos? Report this Post to the Staff
T-BOP Rest in Peace United States 18456 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 6:28 pm I would say the main culprit of the sheen and oil appearance is the humidity in the basement . You didn't mention how long the coins were in the basement . Most coins affected by temperature changes occur over at least a 3 year period where the coins are stored in a 4 season climate . I really doubt that you will see any difference's in days or weeks by bringing them from cooler to warmer temps . Report this Post to the Staff
just carl Bedrock of the Community United States 20753 Posts	Posted 02/12/2021 9:47 pm You should get a Hygrometer to measure the Humidity too. And do you use any kind of oil lamps in your house? Kerosine Lamps too effect the air. Report this Post to the Staff
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