![]() ![]() Plastazote is an acid free foam that can line drawers. Pacific silver cloth is an ideal material to prevent silver coins from tarnishing. If using a flocked finish in a drawer or tray, this also needs to be inert and free from acid and should not off-gas.The material the box is made from is also important, PVC can off-gas acids into the stored environment, the same can also happen with wood and painted surfaces like enamel. Storing your coins in an acid free box is the next step in providing the collection a good level of protection from damage.Damage can be caused by handling and external factors such as pollution, leaks and floods, or theft and vandalism. Once your coins are enclosed in an envelope or pocket (wallet, sleeve etc.) they should be stored somewhere that they are safe from accidental damage. For obvious reasons, paper envelopes prevent coins from being viewed without being removed, this could lead to additional risks when handling i.e. Paper envelopes can be easily written upon for identification. Sulphur can attack silver and copper in coins causing them to turn black. This also needs to apply to any glues present in the envelope. Paper coin envelopes, like ours which can be seen here, are perfectly acceptable for coin storage provided the material is acid-free and sulphur free. Polypropylene is less clear than polyester and is generally softer. Our pockets are welded on the edges forming a very strong tear-resistant seam.Īcid free polypropylene is also suitable and available as binder storage pages which can be seen here. ![]() Polyester is a stiffer material and retains contents more firmly than other films. Because the pockets are perfectly clear the need for handling is reduced as the coin can be seen without removing it from the pocket. Our polyester coin pockets are completely glass clear, will remain glass clear, and ideal for storing coins and maintaining visibility. Our coin pockets are made from archival polyester, sometimes known by the brand names ‘Mylar’ or ‘Melinex’. So, some plastic storage is OK for coins, what should you choose?Īrchival polyester (boPET) is inert, strong and acid-free, it will not degrade like PVC. It's important to remove coins from any PVC 'flips', pockets or wallets immediately. Due to PVC being unsuitable and unstable, some collectors believe that all plastics are unsuitable, this is not the case. This may lead to a green, sometimes sticky residue on coins, with possible permanent staining and corrosion making the coin's value reduce considerably. As it degrades, PVC will become yellow, cloudy and brittle, off-gassing acids into the storage environment. PVC is generally not acid free, PVC will eventually break down and become acidic - it is not 'inert'. Polypropylene, Polyester and PVC are the common types. There are a number of plastics used to make coin storage. Whatever enclosure you select to place your coins into, the material must be acid free, and here’s why. How do you choose the right envelope or pocket for your coins?įirst things first. Coins that are not enclosed in a pocket or envelope are far more susceptible to damage, so the answer is yes. Should coins be put into envelopes or pockets?Įnvelopes and pockets protect coins when being handled and when in storage protect from dust and scratches. You can prevent depositing oils from your fingers onto the coins surface by wearing nitrile finger cots. If you do wish to clean your collection and you are not concerned about any associated risks of devaluation, you could use pre-lim surface cleaner and finish with a coat of renaissance wax to restore that freshly minted lustre. It is always best to consult a specialist conservator before commencing any work. For coins that are generally clean, with no soil or heavy deposits, grease can be safely cleaned away gently using a lint free cloth like the Arcare Dust Bunny cloths. However, surface greases from handling can cause further tarnishing while in storage. The action of cleaning can actually devalue the coin due to damage caused as a result (scratches, coatings applied etc). ![]() ![]() Generally, the advice for amateur collectors is not to clean coins. Should you clean your coins before storing them? Whether you have a small collection at home or need to store them in bulk, the principles are the same and we’ll start right at the beginning. Read our complete guide on how to protect and store your coin collection to prevent future damage and preserve them for centuries to come. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |