My aunt bought some "investment" coins from Kagin's in the late 1980's. Recently, she asked me if I could sell them for her as she knows nothing about coins. (She bought them after my uncle died and my aunt was trying to diversify her portfolio.) The coins came in a leather bound folder with a history of each. However, the coins were all stored in soft plastic holders. All of the coins, except a St. Gauden's, have significant PVC damage. They are greenish/blue. They even smell like plastic. I'm going to call Kagin's and see if they are willing to do anything as their packaging of the coins basically destroyed their numismatic value. (all coins are common dates and not gem grade. A few walkers, Barber Halves, Buffalo Nickels, etc.) Here's my question: Have any of you ever gone back to a dealer years later with a PVC damaged coin and asked to be made whole? If so, how did it turn out? If Kagin's won't help me I'm going to have to sell the coins at a significant loss to a dealer willing to take a chance that the PVC can be cleaned off and that it hasn't destroyed the surface of the coins. Thanks!
Removing the PVC requires a soak in Acetone. If the surface hasn't been pitted then the coins could be ok. There is no harm in trying as the acetone will not damage the coins. You need to treat each coin individually. Soak in acetone (not nail polish, the stuff you get at the hardware store) for a few minutes, It is ok to swish it around a little in the acetone but be sure not to rub the coin in any way. when the PVC has been removed rinse the coin in a second, clean bowl of acetone and then rinse in distilled water and allow to air dry. Richard
I doubt that Kagin will do anything for you as when the coins were sold that was an acceptable method of storing coins. They will probably tell you that the problem is the manufacturer of the holders. richard
Agreed, Your best bet is to soak them in Acetone and hope for the best Would like to see some before and after pics
I would contact Kagin's and explain the situation. Big name dealers realize that sometimes it pays to make good as much harder to deal with bad publicity on a forum. If nothing else, I am sure they are much more familiar with using Acetone and such than you, so that might be a compromise with them. If it is no, no, no, then the above are correct, you can do it yourself and there are several threads on the forum to help. Try Kagin's first. The worse they can do is laugh and say no, and you are still in the same condition. I don't think there is any fault to be had with Kagin, many didn't realize the problems of PVC.
ne problem you may have is "Which Kagin's?" There have been several depending on whether they were incorporated by Art Kagin, Don Kagin, or the if both were partners in the business. Each were probably incorporated separately and would not be responsible for the actions of the others. If the "PVC residue" has formed a strong green/blue color it is probably too late to save the surfaces of the coin. You can remove the residue but the surfaces will already be etched.
