I bought a proof set of my birth year (1971) off e-bay recently just for the heck of it. Obviously, it was only about $8 or so, not exactly a hot collectible. However, I was still somewhat disappointed to see that all the coins looked fairly pristine except the obverse of the penny. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and on right side of the building there appeared to be some black dirty substance, which I guess was some kind of tarnish or other defect. Can this happen to coins in a sealed proof container, or was this likely a lousy proof when they put it in the package?
Eddie: This is a common problem with the cents, also, I have found it on nickels, especially early ones. You can put away a nice unc Buffalo nickel and come back in a year and see it spotted. I believe (but I could be wrong) that it is possibly a problem with the metal as it is purified before planchet preparation.
If a Buffalo nickel has survived all those years with no spotting or tarnish, and it goes bad one year after you have stored it away, them I would have to say that there is something seriously wrong in the way you are storing them (environmental conditions, bad holders, etc.)
I have to agree with that. And also, I think you should be worried about the invironment you have coins in if that happens not only for the coins but for your health. Best get some CO2 sensors in your home fast. As to coins tarnishing or toning or spotting in a so called sealed package, that to is common. All it takes is a slight improper seal and air gets in and so ends the life of nice coin.
absolutely, but you may also purchase one that has been cleaned and don't know it, then if it hasn't been properly rinsed, it will show the problem months or even a year later.
