I've read some about verdigris and "green slime" but still have a few of questions for the more knowledgable members. 1. Are they one and the same or two different coin problems? 2. Are they contagious? eg. If I put a contaminated cent into a coin tube with clean ones, will the contamination eventually spread to all of the coins in the tube? 3. From what I've read, there is no way to reverse the damage, but is there any way to at least stop it in place? Same question (2 & 3) for each if we are talking about two different problems. Thank you in advance for any enlightenment. Jon
Some people use the terms interchangeably, but in most cases the green slime is the result of PVC contamination. Verdigris is the green colored corrosion that appears on copper coins or sometimes on coins with copper in the alloy. They are indeed two different things. Pure acetone will remove PVC and prevent further damage. Biox will remove verdigris and prevent further damage. But nothing will fix the damage done by either of them prior to removal. As for them being contagious, if an uncontaminated coin is in contact with a coin that has PVC or verddigris on it, then yes the other coin can become contaminated as well.
GDJMSP, I have never heard of Biox, Can you tell me what exactly it is, if it safe on all metals, where do you get it and how do you use it? Thanks for the help.
You can purchase Biox - HERE. It is much like a commercial coin dip, it will strip all toning/patina from the coin. But it will remove the verdigris. It is the only thing I am aware of that will.
I personally wouldn't recommend it. It makes the coin took terrible. Ill post a picture of a coin I used it on when I get home
Thank you for the information. Spoon, I'll be very interested in seeing what you post. Can you perhaps put some similiar coins in the pictures, both with and without the treatment?
Wouldn't argue that point. But would it better to leave it alone and allow the corrosion to completely destroy the coin ? That's the real question. Personally, I would never collect or purchase a coin that had active corrosion on it. But if you do, you will be asking yourself that question.
