Hi there, I've got a question about Canadian Sterling Silver coins: If displayed unprotected, i.e. not in a 2x2, cointain, etc., will the coins tarnish like regular silver coins? I've got a collection of Canadian quarters set in a nice display, but unprotected. I'd like to set it out & show it off, but I'm worried they will start tarnishing. Any ideas? Thanks, mrrob
Yes they will. All forms of silver tarnish or tone in some way. You need to protect them not just for tarnish reasons but to guard against damage as well.
Yeah, that's what I figured. I was hoping that Sterling Silver coins had something "magical" in them to keep them from any damage. What about just mounting the display under glass? Do you think that will protect them? Thanks, mrrob
Sterling is a term refering to the amount of silver in the item. Most silver coins are 90% on US coins and 80% Canadian. Sterling is 91.25% silver. They do not use 100% silver for circulating coinage because the silver is too soft to survive any time.
I did some research, and found that sterling silver is sometimes mixed with copper to give it it's longivity. (So much for the "something magical" mixed in!) Looks like if I want to display them, I'm going to have to put each coin in a cointain and get creative with my display! Thanks for the input - I really appreciate it. mrrob
There is no way to make it so a coin doesn't tone...I don't even thing if it was air-tight. Go ahead and show it off...just hold them right (by the rim or edge) or you will get finger prints on them before they tone. I don't know a lot about toning so some of the other guys will be able to help on that. Speedy
Some of my proof coins have been stored in air-tight capsules for many years and they look as good as they did off the press. So I think if the coins are kept air-tight, they won't tone. At least that's been my experience. So I think I'll go ahead and see what I can do with them in air-tight capsules. May not be as nice as the original display, but the coins won't discolor! Thanks for the input, Speedy! I appreciate it., mrrob
Air-tights seem to be the best...I only have a few that I use...I a lot of other ways to store my whole collection. Speedy
Yeah, I like the air-tights better than the 2X2's. I've used 2X2's for a few years, but I'm gradually changing over to the air-tights. I've had a few coins start toning in the supposed "air-tight" 2X2's, so am a bit discouraged with them. The air-tight capsules look more "professional" anyway, and personally, I think the coins look better in them. Anyway, thass my humble opinion. mrrob
mrrob, are you referring to those 2X2's that have the adhesive backing already applied so that you can just press them closed? I have been wondering what those might do to a coin over the long haul. I have no idea what's in that adhesive.
Sterling silver is .925 fine silver or 92.5%.Canadian coins struck prior to 1920 were Sterling silver. Aidan.
Yep, those are the ones. I usually get the ones from Day Mount. That brand usually works quite well. The only problem I've had with them lately is that the "view holes" where the coin sits haven't lined up exactly in a few. They do advertize them as being archive quality, but that's probably referring to the plastic window. I've got a State's Quarter album that is made for the 2X2s, so I've been using the black self-adhesive ones. They look much better than the white ones! Anyway, I do like the plastic capsules a bit better - I think the coins look a lot better in them. Just my opinion, tho.
