I currently keep all of my proofs along with other mint marks from the year in Dansco and Whitman Classic albums. Does anyone know if the acetate slides are adequate protection to prohibit my proofs from tarnishing? Or is tarnishing inevitable over time? Also, in older Whitman folders/albums, (especially in silver FDR dimes) I've seen a corrosion appear on the coin's perimeter that is in contact with the album. Does this have something to do with the chemicals in the paper/plastic of the Whitman ablums that does this...or is this caused by the hands of the person that put them in the album full of grease and grime? Or is this too an inevitable side effect of storing coins in albums? Thanks in advance! -LTB
I've never liked albums for proofs. Too much air can get to them for my tastes. I put all my proofs in Airtites. If you must use an album, put it in a giant ziplock bag with a couple of large dessicant packs.
I use exclusively Dansco so I can't comment on Whitman. One man's tarnish is another man's tone. All of my coins in albums tone and will tone around the edges. In fact this type of toning is called "album toning" In some circles it is hirely desirable and can bring a premium. It's cause by the paper in the album and has little to do with the cleanliness of the person who inserted the coins. However, if they thumbed the coin going in, chances are a thumb print with develope on the surface of the coin as it tones. Toning can be slowed down by using the Dansco sleeves for your album, however, I have had coins tone in the sleeves as well. You use negative terms like tarnish and corrosion when, depending on the opinion of the collector, toning can be a wonderful thing that is encouraged and embraced.
I love the look of toning, its a natural process and looks splendid when there are no scratches or wear.It just makes the coin look so natural, and the blending of various colours looks cool. Proofs however, I feel are meant to be stored that allows one to showcase their mirrored and frosty cameo finishes. Airtites work well for that. Don't proof U.S coins come in airtights anyway? I swear I seem to think all of them from Canada do.
No, they do not protect you. Both the album and the atmosphere affect the coins. No, it's not inevitable. There are brilliant proofs 150 years old. I put my coins in Intercept Shield at low humidity.
"Dansco Toning" or "Book Toning" has come to be a common term when discussing AT or NT of coins. They will become toned in Dansco's AND Whitmans, both mine have.
