I keep all my coin purchases in their original mint packaging. It is easier to manage my small collection if I combine like type items in a single container. I was walking through Target today and noticed that they have a vast variety of different size plastic storage containers. I bought some and will use them to keep my Silver Proof; Silver Quarter, etc. sets together. I have read previous discussions about the acid in both wood and paper that will damage coins over the years. Are the plastic storage containers safer?
As long as they are rated for food storage, they are safe. If they are intended for non-Food items, I would not even consider them.
If you see 1,2,4,5, in the recycle symbol on the plastic container, it should be safe for your coins. 3 is vinyl (PVC), 6 & 7 are questionable as to use. By the way, did you know that most plastic film used on supermarket meat is PVC so oxygen can pass through it to keep the meat nice and red so don't use that either/
I have examples of coin holders made from clear pvc (vinyl) that have started to degrade and give off acidic fumes which will attack coins. You should use archival quality envelopes and coin holders. Incidentally, I am collecting degraded plastic coin holders if any member has any as I study plastics degradation !
@ Plasticman - I believe that my coins are safe airtites or tubes from the Mint. The plastic containers that I am using is my way of organizing my stack so that it can be moved and stored more easily. What is your opinion about using plastic containers that are stamped with a "5" in recycle symbol. Should these containers be safe to store archival coin boxes and tubes? Thanks
in my opinion these should be ok. If they ever show signs of internal crazing or go brittle (due usually to UV) then that's the time to change them
good question, I guess I should have, but the answer is unfortunately 'no'. My main studies are with the degradation of plastics in museum collections, mainly plastics in sculptures. There are some seious issues here with works of art worth BIG MONEY falling to pieces!
