coins vs gun cleaning chemicals?

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by joey0053, Aug 10, 2010.

  1. joey0053

    joey0053 ZERT Operator

    Ok so recently I have inherited a couple of old guns from my grandfather, 1 1906 Remington model 10-A shotgun, 1 1943 British No.4 MK1 rifle (given to my brother) and a muzzle loading percussion cap .50 cal pistol. These are the first guns I have owned and have remembered reading in some threads about not storing coins in the gun safe or not storing guns in the coin safe because of the cleaning chemicals, now I dont have any blueing but have all the other cleaners. Does anybody have any exsperence with what the chemicals may do to the coin?
     
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  3. hamman88

    hamman88 Spare some change, sir?

    Those chemicals are made to react with metal. They are also very volatile, I spilled a bottle of Hopps once and smelled it for weeks. I'm not sure if just keeping a gun cleaned with those chemicals along with coins is safe.
     
  4. joey0053

    joey0053 ZERT Operator

    hopps is the cleaner im using to. well i have my coins in a safe and the gunes high up in the closet so hopefully thatll keep em safe. however my book of state quarters is in close proximity.
     
  5. cpm9ball

    cpm9ball CANNOT RE-MEMBER

    Let's put it this way.........I wouldn't want to risk putting my coins, slabbed or otherwise, in an enclosed area where molecules from gun cleaning solvents and oils are freely floating around in the air.

    Chris
     
  6. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Me neither - that's just asking for trouble.
     
  7. hamman88

    hamman88 Spare some change, sir?

    On the other hand, gun chemicals are made to protect metal from humidity and oxidation. Maybe its the secret to coin preservation!
     
  8. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Some chemicals are, others are used to harshly clean the barrels. I am with the others, I would never have coins or other antiques anywhere near such chemicals. I have a gun safe, but use it strictly for coins. My guns are in a gun cabinet.
     
  9. coleguy

    coleguy Coin Collector

    Or you can go to any large sporting goods store and buy specific gun bags that dont let vapors escape for about $50 and you don't have to worry. I've had my coins and guns together for almost 30 years with no damage or discoloration. No fumes either. Small price to pay for not having to worry about it.
    Guy~
     
  10. mac266

    mac266 Well-Known Member

    Wow, you've stumbled onto my other passion. My gun collection is rather vast right now :)

    In any event, you are correct they should not be stored together. The gun cleaning chemicals and oils will damage your coins, but I don't think it would work the other way.
     
  11. hamman88

    hamman88 Spare some change, sir?

    There's a bout 22 guns in my house right now. Most soviet, rugged and cheap.
     
  12. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Most of the solvents used to clean the guns - will disolve copper. Not what I'd want around my coins.
     
  13. Kevo

    Kevo Junior Member

    I agree keep those coins seperate, unless you are talking junk silver..... And be sure when you fire that Enfield rifle that you use EXTRA amounts of hopps cleaner because most of the surplus ammo available uses highly corrosive powder, unless of course you are reloading your own.
     
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