What do we know of rust on paper money? i would like to know more on the subject. We have pins that hold our stacks together over time they rust and i want to know more about that. Please dont confuse this with foxing/mildew. Thanks
Just some plain and simple concepts of RUST!! What is the chemical name for the process of rusting? (It is oxidation.) What does iron react with to become rust? (It reacts with oxygen, and the electrolyte which transfers electrons between the iron and the oxygen.) Why do some iron objects rust while others do not? (The more iron present in an object, the faster it will rust if exposed to oxygen. Some "iron" objects are actually alloys, blends of metals containing substances that prevent or severely slow down rusting. For example, when iron is alloyed with other elements such as carbon, it makes steel which is a strong metal that doesn't rust quickly; if iron is alloyed with carbon and chromium, it makes a stronger form of steel that doesn't corrode. An example of this is most kitchen utensils.) Can rust be converted back to iron? (Yes, you can put energy in to remove the oxygen component of rust. After removal of the oxygen, pure iron remains. This is the process of how iron ore is converted to iron.) Why does it take a long time to see the rusting process occur when some types of metal objects are submersed in water for long periods of time? (Iron objects exposed to both water and oxygen will rust rapidly. However, iron objects alloyed to other metals will not rust as rapidly because the iron can't be oxidized as easily.) Source: www.sciencenetlinks.com Just think of a paper clip on some paper money..exposed to a high humidity environment..moisture, O2, and paper clip = rust over time..lots of time.. The formation of rust gets is color from iron and is therefore absorbed into the paper over time as well..I am sure many of you have seen the outline of a paper clip on an older note.
The main thing to know is don't do it, unless the stacks are purely for cash in the pocket use. As far as I know there is no way of removing or bleaching rust, and no way of really repairing pinholes.
good to see you my friend. what am i to do with those bundles? cant remove the pin as bundles will lose value. is there a way to keep them from rusting? thanks
Spock.. Thanks it has been one heck of a ride the past few years.. I would suggest that you use desiccants to absorb any moisture where you store these...try to maintain a storage environment of <40% Relative Humidity.. that will give you the 1st layer of protection. As with any numismatic..do not alter them or remove the pin.. you get the drill my friend.. BTW.. how old are the notes? If they are new..then you might want to consider removing the pin to prevent further damage... up to you..As you are aware, pin holes do detract from the appearance and value..its your call. RickieB
You are telling me my friend. There were numerous occasions where I felt the space voyage has gone on a bit too long. The notes are from the 1940's to 2005. Post 2005 the bundles were not issued with pins. In this case since the entire stock was issued with pinholes they don't lose value per se but its a conundrum if the pins are removed the bundles lose value if the pins remain and they rust the bundles lose value. now the staple pins are also of different qualities and metal composition. I guess it makes it even more interesting. Live long and prosper
