Does anyone know if early generation holders, NGC, PCGS, ANACS were made with PVC? I know early Flips had PVC, but have never seen a discussion regarding TPG Holders.
Can only speak for PCGS...and don't think so. Have had several of their early holders and still have one or two...smaller/thinner "rattlers" with the type-written or early word-processed labels...no problems that I've ever had.
None of the early slabs used PVC, the dangers of PVC were well known before slabs came around and it wouldn't make much sense to put coins you were guarantying into holders that you knew would damage them. Now some of the early services before slabbing may have used PVC. In fact I am fairly sure that some did, but as a general rule they did not provide guarantees.