The silver quarters in the Whitman Type folder are toning after about a decade from the edge inward. Is this a chemical reaction?
Yes. Within the album is trace sulfur. When silver comes in contact with sulfur, it reacts to form silver sulfide, it is black silver tarnish when thicker. Hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere causes toning too. Sometimes people leave coins in windowsils to heat up and accelarate the reaction. The science behind it is very complicated but I could try to explain it to you the best I can.
Don't forget Intercept Shield albums are specially treated to help prevent toning. But even they specify a finite life for that protection (20 years?)
Here are some cents I pulled from an old Whitman folder. I've probably posted them here before, but bits are cheap, so here they are again. The ink protected the coins from the sulfur in the paper. The 51, 52, and 52-S were on the top row of the middle panel of the folder, and the printing reads "Coin Folders in this Size". The 53-S was in the middle of the second row, and has a list of a few folders on it. The older Whitman folders had the mints ordered (P)SD instead of (P)DS.
Unlike most album toning that I like, the coins in the Whitman albums that my grandmother assembled have turned a pretty lifeless grey over time.
I've had Lincoln cents in Whitman folders do more than just tone. Some had active corrosion at the rims and edges. Wiped off the verdigris, put most of them in rolls, took them to the bank, and swore-off Whitmans forevermore. Cal
The only reasons for me to use Whitman is that store low grade extras and plus for being an ANA member I get 10% off.
Whitman albums may not do much for protection, but they have brought countless people into our hobby. For that, I give them a great deal of credit.
Been there, done that. I don't get too 'peeved' any more. It's like all eventualities. The day comes when one (something) begins to erode and 'weather' (for lack of a better word).
