My question to you all is another question about storage and packaging. I've read and read and read and reread and reread hundreds of posts on this site dealing with the same topic - storage. But nothing i've really read deals specifically with new mint products since 2000. I understand all the information on storage that i read here and it seems that it mostly concerns older coins or individual coins found bought or sold. I typically only collect modern coins, such as, Silver Proof sets, Uncirculated Mint sets, Proof and Uncirculated Eagles and Commemoratives, etc... My concern is how these coins are going to be affected long term by keeping them in the original packaging. Obviously I take the other proper storage techniques found on this site: Complete original packaging, small acid free cardboard box with dessicant, in a large "sealed" plastic bin, in a cool dry place; but nothing extraordinary like Air-Tites or Intercept Sheild boxes (which would mean breaking up sets), or should I be? Do you think storing the new Mint products in their original packaging is a good storage for the long term? My reason for this topic is that i am questioning the Mint's packaging as suspect, for example: my 1999 and 2000 sets have deveopled haze and toning but nothing else has and more importantly the new presidential dollar set cases open with little effort; also the individual coin capsules open very easily like Jackson's Liberty gold coin. Seems like its getting worse.
In 2000, and I believe 2001, the mint experimented with a new washing process for Proofs, it was not very successful. Many of those who bought the coins had problems. There are several products sold that you can use to remove the haze. But what I would do is just sell what you have and buy new ones that do not have haze. And make sure you continue to follow proper storage proceedures and check your silica packs regularly.
