I found some small 'zip lock' bags just the right size for coins. Is there a way to tell if the bags contain PVC? Thanks.
To be honest, I wouldn't suggest storing your coins in anything that soft, anyway. There is no actual protection for the surfaces of the coins. Take a look here for holders. I have bought from them and they have terrific customer service. http://www.brent-krueger.com/
Yeah, thanks Susan! I've been looking for a box like what they're selling and haven't been able to find it anywhere. I appreciate the link! You never know how big an impact something that small will be to someone else. Thanks, again!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally Posted by dthigpen Copper Wire and a Blow Torch. I read this on another forum. The Beilstein test is a simple chemical test which is used to determine whether ~ a plastic contains pvc or polyvinylidene chloride. To carry out the test you will need a small propane torch and a copper wire (a ~ penny could also be used). Copper by itself burns cleanly but produces a green flame (copper chloride) when combined with a compound containing chlorine ( e.g., pvc) Steps: Heat the copper wire in the flame of the torch until it burns cleanly. This serves to bum off any unwanted residues that might be on the wire. Make sure that you hold the wire with pliers or an insulator to avoid injury. Touch the hot wire to the holder. Some of the holder will melt and be stuck to the wire. Be sure to hold the holder close to the air intake of the torch in order to draw away the fumes from the burning plastic. Put the wire back into the flame. If the flame bums yellow or clear, no pvc present. If the flame burns bright green, then some pvc is present.
I think I remember reading about that test in Coin World a while back. Thanks for refreshing it for me!!
Doesn't polyvinylchloride give coins that ugly green tinge? I hate taking coins out of old collections like this,as the coins are very sticky.
PVC HELP needed I have just purchased some jewlers display boxes with snap closing top ($9.00). Nice for displaying and storing coins. The inserts which hold 2x2 nicely are plastic with a felt kind of lining on the top. My coins are in air tights which I plan to place in the 2x2 spaces. There is no odor to the plastic inserts. Vote time- DO I use the inserts or make my own or try to find another tray to fit in side my storage box (14 1/4x 7 3/4 inner box dimensions) I currently have a coin tray purchased from a local shop tht could be cut down to fit.
With no contact between the coins and the plastic felt, and the holders' protection against fumes, I don't see any problem. On the other hand, I've seen some really ugly tarnish - stuff that even GDJMSP couldn't love - from letting a coin stay in long-term direct contact with that faux felt.
Personally, I would probably make my own. That way, you can design it however you like and it makes the presentation personalized. And wouldn't it be nice when it was all finished to look at it and know that you made it look that way?
Ziploc brand bags are made of LDPE, not PVC: http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/consumer_guides/473 Other brands of "ziploc-type" may contain PVC
I would stay clear of the generic brand bags that you see at all the flea markets, etc. the sizes are tempting (2x2, etc.). I bought some because I thought they would be nice to put new Shiny Sacs in them as gifts when they first came out. Within days, they turned the coins a dull, muddy gold color. I was able to bring back some of the luster, but the Sacs were never shiny new again.
