Hello everyone. This is my first forum post. I have an 1834 classic head half cent in AU that I bought from a local dealer about 5 or 6 years ago that has recently (within the past half year or so) turned greenish (oxidation?) in color and when I removed it from its myler cardboard 2x2 to take a closer look it left a greenish impression of its entire design on both the little round windows. It's now (temporarily) residing in another holder. My concerns are is this a common occurrence, and is it/will it be damaging in the long term? (the coin seems to have cleared up, for now, after being taken out of it's old holder.) Thanks for any help/advice/thoughts/information/wisdom, GobrechtReich85 P.S. It was also a lot redder when I bought it and darkened over time.
Sounds like PVC damage, this is not good Some cheaper low quality coin holders are made with some PVC in them, and it releases a gas that is harmful to coins, often turning them green. It also could be verdigris, we'll have to see some pictures of the coin to help you out more. PS: Any coin will darken or tone over time, but the best way to combat this is to put it in an archival air tight container, such as a slab or an air-tite brand holder. These will only slow the process, however.
It's copper, so I would stay away from acetone. Soak it in xylene for a day or so and if the solvent is colored, soak it in some fresh solvent. Allow it to dry and then treat it with some VerdiCare.
I've been trying to upload pictures for the past several days but can't figure out how to open the files. (actually I can't even find the files.) Or maybe there's something wrong with my laptop. When I (try to) upload them my camera shows up in devises, under devices and printers, under the category devices with storage and when I try to open it the only thing I get are hardware and properties stats but no picture files anywhere. Am i doing something wrong? Any help in solving this problem so I can actually show you those pics would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, GobrechtReich85
The files should be located in a pictures folder. You can also sort your files under newest date added, this usually brings new files to the top.
