Why is it that the majority of coin storage products out there are primarily made with PVC? Coin collector specific albums and pages made with PVC are aimed at the majority of collectors who are not aware of potential problems associated with buying the wrong storage options. Dealers shelves are packed with pages and albums that have no place near your coin collection.
We are becoming increasingly aware of how PVC damages coins. Pull out your albums after just a few years of storage in seemingly safe 2x2 holders and see how the pvc from the album page has permeated through the mylar 2x2 and onto the coin surface. It will have created a scum or strange toning on the coin often green on silver coins
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Through the late 60's, 70's and early 80's the RAM uncirculated mint sets were issued in pvc folders. Most likely now if you've left your coins in these folders they're ruined. The coins will be stuck in the folder engulfed in a sticky ooze.
PVC or polyvinylchloride is the problem factor with these storage products. It is a non-recyclable plastic that deteriorates with age. Through time pvc breaks down becoming unstable leeching chemicals directly onto your coins surface or through other safe plastics.
Certainly there needs to be a better way to store your coins and while slabbing coins or using airtites or eagle mounts, capsules or intercept shield holders are all great, collectors often have bulk coin that needs to be stored safely. Not all coins in your collection deserve the royal treatment of slabbing!
Posted by harrisk at April 15, 2009 9:08 AM
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