i have a zinc coin that has turned that lovely crusty white. someone suggested i rub the coin in Vaseline to slow the eventual dusting of the coin. any suggestions on the care of zinc coins? -Steve
Zinc is a tough metal to preserve, particularly in a moist environment. 1. If you already have "crusty white" surfaces, forget about the coins. It's like seeing the green goo from PVC. The damage is done. 2. Except for expensive coins, purchase new undamaged coins and put them in something that will keep air and moisture away from them. Airtites and Capital Plastics holders come to mind. 3. For expensive coins, get them into Airtites or Capital Plastics holders quickly. 4. Store them in a place with a constant temperature and dry. 5. Removing the white crust is cleaning them, and will significantly lower value.
I would have to agree, it's already too late. But if you like that look - then about all you can do is keep it in an Air-Tite and as dry as possible. But I would think the zinc deterioration will continue no matter what at this point.
