I had a gentleman tell me collect what I like, cause it's my collection! Thank you for that. My question is if I like the tone of a coin is there anyway to stop the toning process?
Hm, not that I know of but at least if it is stored in an area with not too much moisture, and a good temperature and little dust that could slow it down. But I am no expert and I am sure others can give you more info than me.
I put all my coins in museum quality 2 x 2 flips except those in TPG's holders. Then I put them in inert plastic boxes (smaller than shoebox size) In each box I place 2 40 gram silica gel packs, then store them in an area where there is the least amount of moisture. If any pink shows in the silica gel packs I take them out and heat them as per instructions on the gel pack. I only have a few toned coins but the toning has not increased. also, none of the silver coins I store away have shown no signs of toning and some have been stored quite a while.
Excellent question, charcole ! Thanks for posting such an important and inquisitive question on Coin Talk !!
Temperature changes and moisture are your enemies. I am like you and try to deter toning on my coins. I keep them either in TPG holders or Airtights. Then put them in a ziplock bag and store them in my safe with silica packs. Toning happens. Its an unfortunate truth.... But as long as you remember to mitigate moisture and temperature changes as much as you can, you should be OK.
I always put rechargeable silica antihumidity packs and a 3M antitarnish strip in each air tight container (zip lock bag, tupperware, etc) that I store coins in whether in the SDB or safe. Anytime I go to the bank I bring some recharged ones and swap them out if needed.
May I ask if you have a preference for a particular brand of silica gel packs? (If it's against the rules of CoinTalk to state name brands outright, then please disregard.) Thanks.
If you have just a handful of attractively toned coins, individual Air-Tite Acrylic plastic coin holders are an inexpensive storage/protection option. JP's Corner is a leading Air-Tite retailer - big selection, fair price, lots of other supplies http://www.jpscorner.com/airtite-direct-fit-coin-holders.html
Why would you think " that response seems to drip with sarcasm. " She asked a serious question, I responded with a serious thank you. Is toning important? Of course it is. Is her question inquisitive? Of course it is. IMO, perhaps you just have a jaundiced eye !! and your cynical emoji is very much noted !! LOL
Hey Randy, Thanks for answering her important and inquisitive question. That's a very good job, Sir. Much useful information. I, for one, have been using silica packs for years. Now for an important and inquisitive question from myself. Are you familiar with the kind of plastic tubs that coffee and Coffee-Mate come in? I store many of my coins in those, with silica packs, and they are somewhat air tight. I haven't noticed any change in the look of my coins. I've been using them for about 5 years. Are you aware of any danger in using those types of tubs for storage? Could those tubs be PVC related? Thanks for any helpful information.
I store my cull coins and loose wheat cents (rolled coins & tubes fit perfectly in a vertical position), etc. in pint size Talenti gelato jars - handy to stack and carry - sturdy plastic with heavy duty screw caps - available at your local supermarket - the gelato is top shelf, too