I tried to search the FAQ section, and I apologize if this is referenced elsewhere, but what are some guidelines around exposure of coins to either sunlight or different types of artificial light? Can this cause deterioration or serve as a catalyst for an unwanted reaction that would damage a coin? I am currently displaying some of my proof coins (in plastic holders from the US mint) in a cabinet that is lit by halogen lamps, and I have wondered if this could be damaging them. I am aware of offgassing from different types of woods. Any information is appreciated.
Coins are best stored in the dark. I don't know that anyone would call it damage, but light does contribute to the coins toning.
I appreciate the information. I really enjoy being able to see my coins on a regular basis, but I prefer them as they are.
Almost all forms of light does not have any effect on metals. You could place a piece of Tin, Zinc, Copper, etc in the Sun, on a table with every type of lighting possible and it would still be the same, no reaction. Light does not effect metals EXCEPT, where such lighting creates heat therefore increasing chemical reactions with gasses such as Oxygen. You must realize that it is really difficult to find a container that is completely air tight. Regardless of what the container is, eventually some type of gass will enter and many forms of light generate heat and that would or could increase reactions with a gass and the metal of a coin. As a general rule you could bombard a coin with any type of lighting you could normally emit and nothing SHOULD happen just from the light itself. As you mentioned your actually discussing lighting. You should be aware though that the lighting you see is only a small, very small fraction of what is called light. Note that many types of lighting is not visable by us. If your type of lighting used generates a lot of heat, that heat in reality is primarily InfraRed radiation. Again, the heat could possibly increase reactions already under way due to the smallest amount of a gass inside the container with your coins.
Not sure what type of lamp base you have but if it's a normal socket for regular lamps, here is something you may want to check into. At Walmart and many other stores they are now carrying 120V LED lighting lamps. I just purchsed a few for testing. Absolutely no heat generated or so low you can not tell. Also, where a 60 watt incandescent can be replaced with a 15 watt fluouresant you can now replace those with these new 1.5 watt lamps and get the same amount of light. Not cheap, about $5 or a little less since new, but from what I'm seeing already, fantastic.
I like this question! How is paper affected, If anybody knows, I would assume Natural lite would fade the note over time, Depending on its composition!!
Inks and dyes are organic chemicals. If you're wondering what ultraviolet does to organic chemicals, well, have you ever stayed out in the sun too long? Color fading in ultraviolet is something you can count on, don't know about visible light though. There's some UV in halogen light and fluorescent light, buckets of it in sunlight.
