I already know that cleaning coins is bad - we can skip that discussion. For the last couple years (8+) I have been buying "uni-safe" "professional" "Canadian made" "coin storage booklets" - ya right. When I took a look back (this happens more to pennies and loonies) they are oily on touch. Little did i know about PVC and why you shouldn't use it - WHY ARE THEY STILL SELLING IT (UGH :headbang: ) - to make newbies like myself ruin coins? Anyways, I'll try not to stress my disappointment and anger too much. I have hundreds (400+ coins in these sleeves ranging from 1920 to today all different kinds) and they are all in these PVC booklets. What do I do now? They don't have any "green-slime" or green gunk, they just appear to be oily/greasy - so maybe they are kind of okay? The point is I want them out, but should I just take them out and leave them? Wouldn't that just let the PVC chemicals eat away at them still? I've read about using chemical and other things to remove the PVC, but lots say get a professional to do it - except there's no dealers around where I live. Like I said, I have hundreds and thousands of coins I want cataloged but there's no booklet sleeves that don't use PVC? WTF? Somebody help... please... :crying:
well get you some acetone if the coins are still "festering" but the rot hasn't taken hold and soak that sticky off them. Acetone will not hurt your coins.
Is there a way you can post a pic of this album?..maybe a picture from an online store? Im wondering that because if its oily a gentle wash in mild dish soap may be ok for it. Ill leave it for the experts tho.
Acetone x 2 or 3 seperate cups (do 2-3 seperate dips in seperate cups)then and then final rinse with distilled water. Use coin tongs and do not drop coin (easier said than done). Post some pics to be sure what you have is PVC. Place in maybe a better album like Dansco or Littleton (never used). Good luck
I can post some pictures later, but as for the acetone - should I just pour it into a shallow basin and let them sit in there? Should I pad all the sides with a towel to insure they don't scrape? I am assuming I'm not supposed to rub or touch the coins once they are soaking? How long do they have to be in there... and one more important thing... how am I supposed to store coins? I understand that there are those cardboard/mylar single pockets but I wanted more of a booklet so I could organize them. What (SAFE) system should I use for massive amounts of coins? Thanks. *EDIT* Boss beat me to the post. Thanks.
ditto this advice, allow them air dry. a good thing the rot hasn't started. Sounds like they have just begun to sweat a little.
Take your time and do a search on this forum for items like Acetone, cleaning coins, etc. Note that there are many posts that explain the exact details of what to do with Acetone and what not to do. Take your time and read them all if possible. Many substances are dangerous if the handling of them is not checked into substancially. Safety first, coins second. Remember you can always get new coins but eyes are sort of hard to find. No smoking allowed.
