I recently purchased a pair of MLK medals (bronze and .999 silver) that are in original mint bags from the "Coin & Currency Institute". I'm undecided on whether I should remove the medals from the plastic packaging, as it is highly unlikely to be mylar. These medals are c.1968 though, and the plastic doesn't seem to have left any unsightly spots in the last couple of decades. How would you suggest storing them? Here's a link to the auction I won (with pictures for those so inclined): http://www.ebay.com/itm/220945904177
Do you have any idea when they were issued ? What I'm getting at is this. The bags do look to be the kind that would contain PVC. But if the medals have been in those bags for a long time and there is no sign of PVC breaking down, then then bags likely do not contain PVC. But if they were issued no that long ago, then yes I would say that they need to be removed. The reason it matters is this, such items in original packaging do often retain more value. So it would be best to leave them as is if possible.
That sums up my thoughts pretty well. But, I'm not sure when they were issued. 1968 seems pretty far fetched... but 1978, 1988, 1998, or 2008 all seem like reasonable guesses (for anniversaries). Or, they could have been minted last year. I'm not all that familiar with the Coin and Currency Institute's products - I just liked the look of these.
I agree highly with Doug. If there is no sign of damage, the original packaging will add significant value.
http://www.medallic.com/about/medallic_art_famous_firsts.php Evidently these were made in 1968, so I would guess the packaging has survived that long without damaging the medals.
Huh. That does seem like the same obverse design, but I wonder if my set are restrikes? I don't see any hint in the packaging that these were minted by Medallic Arts Co. There are some very cool medals on that list. I recently lost an eBay auction for the silver inset Handy & Harmon medal. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for another. I'd also LOVE to get ahold of the 1928 Merrimack relic inset medal. That's an awesome piece!
