Has anyone noticed some type of what looks like an oily film near the edge on some of the coins in the 1999 Silver Proof Sets. Someone at my local coin store told me that he read in a magazine years back, that recycled cardboard has some oily 'goop' used in the manufacturing process, and I should not store my coins around cardboard or in cardboard boxes. He told me to remove a my proof sets from the mint issued boxes and store the boxes separate from my coins. The mint ships in cardboard and the original mint packaging is cardboard. The problem might be that the die cut coin mats inside the plastic proof cases are also recycled cardboard or paper. The fellow at the shop said that the oily goop has something to do with the recycling process, (not anything the mint does), and I needed to know that the government only uses recycled paper and cardboad. Anyone else notice any problems with their 1999 silver proof sets, or any of your older silver proof sets. It really does appear as a thin yellow/brown oily haze near the coin rims. Something like 3-in-1 machine oil. Thanks, Jim
I have never before heard of this. Now I do know that the Mint uses recycled cardboard. Storage is always an issue with coins. Paper in any form will tone the coins over time. So it isn't a bad idea to store them using a different method. Just be sure to save the original package to re-insert them when it comes time to sell.
wow..............well how about another question. I have my coins in those little inexpesive 2x2s in an album with the 2x2 holder sleeves/pages... But after like looking around it seems possible that thats not the best route to go .... can coins be damaged by something in those little 2x2s ? I mean, comics dont do to well over time in most bags, but i didnt think with coins that would be an issue. anyone know anything about it?
2x2's are lined with a mylar film. This protects them to a point. I don't recommend them for long term storage, but they won't damage coins.
Others may disagree, but I would not recommend placing high grade UNC coins or even valuable circulated coins in 2x2's. For one there is always the danger of a staple damaging the coin. Usually it is the staple in another holder that will scratch the coin in one when you go to remove it from a storage box. And they are not recommended for Proof coins because most 2x2's have fine particles of cardboard dust inside them. And these particles can wreak havoc on a Proof coin. 2x2's are fine for common circulated coins but care still needs to be taken regarding the staples. In my opinion - the hard plastic holders be they round or square are the best. They may cost a bit - but to me they are worth it.
Wellllll Well I for one would not buy a proof set if it had been removed and put back--to me that takes down the value just like that. Now I do buy proof coin singles but rarely--like I got a 1976-s clad quarter for $1.75 that lists for $8.00. Speedy
Cardboard ruining coins? No Speedy, I am not suggesting that you take the proof coins out of the plastic cases as they come from the mint. I only posed the question as to whether the cardboard box that holds the plastic cases was a hazard to coins. Jim
How do you tell they were once removed. The mint does not seal these sets, so they can and are picked through routinely. You just have to be careful in handling the coins.
Jim Ok--now I see what you mean!!--I see no problem with that--- ND You and I are talking about two different things--I would not want to buy a proof set that had been opened--the case not the cardbord box-- There is no way to tell but IF I bought a set the had been removed and put back together I would be disappointed. I don't think my coin dealer does that but I sure hope not. Speedy
Well most larger dealers do this on a regular basis. It is not to cause any collector problems. The main reason that we do this is to match sets. Often the mint has issues with the quality of their coins. As they have taken the human element out of the process, quality control has suffered. I am sure you have seen a proof set or two that has streaks or marks on the coins. Another reason we do this, is for registry quality coins. You may pull one coin out of 200 sets to submit for the perfect grade. This coin is then replaced by another. The collector still gets a very nice proof coin. The plastic case the mint uses opens very easily and there is no way to tell if it has been opened or how many times. Like I said, this isn't a way for a dealer to get something over on the collector. It is often a way to help them.
Yep ND I have seen coins like you talked about--Just on Monday I got a 2000 silver proof set the the Roosevelt has red hair-- Speedy
Is there any other way to safely store UNC coins beside the plastic squares. I see so many people selling UNC coins raw. How did they protect them all these years?? -- Brian --
Welcome stallsmithb, There are many ways to safely store coins, other than 2x2's. (plastic squares) There's original Mint packaging, albums, cabinets, custom displays, Airtites, safes, boxes, drawers, etc. The main thing in preserving their original surfaces is to avoid contact and handling, which can damage the coins, and avoiding environmental contaminants which can lead to unattractive toning.
stallsmithb The way that some coins are still BU, is that people would hoard coins---Right now I'm looking at some coins this guy kept for years, cents , from the 70s and some 60s that are still BU---Another hoard I'm looking at right now has some great coins like a 1938d half dollar a 1897s half dollar even though these are not BU how many do you think are still around? When you see an old coin...think about the guy that saved that coin. I got to see a 1799 dollar today in about F-12 grade. Speedy
If you have quite a few coins, I personally like tubes. It protects the coins, plus makes for easy storage. Just keep in mind that you still need some form of air protection. I personally use silica gel.
