Legit question: Is it possible to "dip" PVC off of a slabbed coin still in the slab?

Seriously. If you buy a Peace Dollar or something in an old rattler holder, but you can see green PVC on it, can the slab be submersed or a syringe be used to apply acetone to the coin while leaving it in the slab? Seems like we could save some coins in old holders that way, if it were possible. Also, I wonder if it would leave a film in the inside of the holder? @GDJMSP , @BadThad , @mikenoodle ?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

If those slabs are made of acrylic (which appears to be the case), absolutely no way. The slab will craze, fog, and dissolve away long before the PVC goes anywhere.

If you're interested in saving the coin, crack it out. If you're interested in saving the holder, don't worry about the PVC. If you're interested in saving the coin in its current holder -- which, of course, you are -- I'm afraid there's not much you can do.

 

X2

 

I second (well, third now) what @-jeffB says - acetone will demolish that slab (including the label, hologram, etc) and turn your PVC problem into a melted plastic slurry problem.

 

How fast does that plastic begin to break down? Haven't tried this. Just 100% pure curiosity.

 

It will get hazy almost instantly on contact with acetone. Even contact with acetone vapor can do it.

 

Yup agree. I use acetone almost daily when working on cars. It will eat plastic in no time. Ive splashed it on safety glasses before and you just toss them in the trash as they are instantly ruined.

 

This is ABS, but it is still eye-opening

 

I've never heard this question before. And I have never thought about it.
Interesting concept.

 

Does Xylene react the same to plastic?

 

Yes , except for PTFE plastic, one brand name is Teflon.

 

And even if the acetone DIDN'T react with the slab, how would you get it and the PVC residue OUT of the slab?

The acetone might eventually slowly evaporate out through the syringe hole, but since it would do so slowly it would leave all the PVC residue behind still inside the slab where it could continue to damage the coin.

You might try doing two holes in the slab and do a pressurized flush of a gallon of two through the slab to make sure as much of the residue as possible got flushed out. And use a pressurized dry air flow for a week to evaporate all the acetone out.

 

I kind of want to be on the lookout now for some cheap slabs and do a time lapse haha...

 

Roosevelts will do.

 

I be wish. But coins usually upgrade once it's removed.

 

I’m thinking clad state quarters...

 

In rattlers??