BCW coin flip have PVC!?! What flip should I use?

Kliao

About a year or so ago I bought a pack of BCW coin flips. They were advertised as being PVC free. But in my poll about flips or 2x2 @OwenSeymour told me the the BCW coin flips have PVC!?! I getting very worried now because almost all my raw coins are in BCW coin flips.

Can others confirm or deny that BCW coin flips have PVC?

Cameonut

This is only one reason why I hate flips. Perform a Bielstein test to see if it contains chlorine - the result will tell you if it contains PVC.

Kliao

@Cameonut said:
This is only one reason why I hate flips. Perform a Bielstein test to see if it contains chlorine - the result will tell you if it contains PVC.

What is a Bielstein test? What do you use?

Cameonut

Sorry, actually spelled Beilstein - Google it. It is a simple test if you have a copper wire and access to a Bunsen burner or propane torch.

Cameonut

Or you can contact BCW directly and ask...….

COINS MAKE CENTS

Yes I believe they do have pvc in them. I have always steered clear of them

jmlanzaf

https://bcwsupplies.com/2x2-double-pocket-vinyl-flip-insert

jmlanzaf

See link above. They clearly declare them to be PVC.

Kliao

@COINS MAKE CENTS said:
Yes I believe they do have pvc in them. I have always steered clear of them

@jmlanzaf said:
https://bcwsupplies.com/2x2-double-pocket-vinyl-flip-insert

Shoot. Now I have a whole mother project to do.

What types of cheap but long term storage flips do you recommend?

And what should I do with the stupid BCW ones?

Kliao

@jmlanzaf said:
See link above. They clearly declare them to be PVC.

When I bought them a year or so back, the thing said no PVC!

Kliao

@Cameonut said:
Sorry, actually spelled Beilstein - Google it. It is a simple test if you have a copper wire and access to a Bunsen burner or propane torch.

I don’t have a propane torch or a Bunsen burner (except at school lol) is that’s out

CWT1863

I recommend Saflips. They are archival quality and don’t contain PVC. Just received an order from Wizard Coin Supply and got 100 more of them.

Kliao

@CWT1863 said:
I recommend Saflips. They are archival quality and don’t contain PVC. Just received an order from Wizard Coin Supply and got 100 more of them.

They do seem more expensive but it has to be worth it. This is the cheapest on I could find. These are the correct one right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SAFLIP-2X2-DOUBLE-POCKET-COIN-FLIPS-PACK-OF-50-SAFLIPS/264150503340?hash=item3d8098cfac:g:s18AAOSwYeNbExqs

MasonG

Important PCGS Notice about PVC flips
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/318995/important-pcgs-notice-about-pvc-flips

Hemispherical

@Kliao said:

@CWT1863 said:
I recommend Saflips. They are archival quality and don’t contain PVC. Just received an order from Wizard Coin Supply and got 100 more of them.

They do seem more expensive but it has to be worth it. This is the cheapest on I could find. These are the correct one right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SAFLIP-2X2-DOUBLE-POCKET-COIN-FLIPS-PACK-OF-50-SAFLIPS/264150503340?hash=item3d8098cfac:g:s18AAOSwYeNbExqs

May seem low cost but verify shipping charges. Per item may seem inexpensive then wild shipping costs.

Kliao

@Hemispherical said:

@Kliao said:

@CWT1863 said:
I recommend Saflips. They are archival quality and don’t contain PVC. Just received an order from Wizard Coin Supply and got 100 more of them.

They do seem more expensive but it has to be worth it. This is the cheapest on I could find. These are the correct one right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SAFLIP-2X2-DOUBLE-POCKET-COIN-FLIPS-PACK-OF-50-SAFLIPS/264150503340?hash=item3d8098cfac:g:s18AAOSwYeNbExqs

May seem low cost but verify shipping charges. Per item may seem inexpensive then wild shipping costs.

After shipping still cheapest I can find at 21 cents per flip. Better get my whole collection out of the PVC ones.

CWT1863

@Kliao said:

@CWT1863 said:
I recommend Saflips. They are archival quality and don’t contain PVC. Just received an order from Wizard Coin Supply and got 100 more of them.

They do seem more expensive but it has to be worth it. This is the cheapest on I could find. These are the correct one right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SAFLIP-2X2-DOUBLE-POCKET-COIN-FLIPS-PACK-OF-50-SAFLIPS/264150503340?hash=item3d8098cfac:g:s18AAOSwYeNbExqs

Yes, those are the ones. I usually add them onto an order anytime I buy something from Wizard. They are more expensive but I think they are worth it. If you get them be careful when you put a coin inside to make sure you don’t scratch the coin with the edge. I have made the mistake before. Overall, I like them. They work best for my needs.

MasonG

@Hemispherical said:
May seem low cost but verify shipping charges. Per item may seem inexpensive then wild shipping costs.

First class rate for a 5 oz. package is $3.18 to $3.63, depending on zone. $4.06 for shipping doesn't seem too wild.

Hemispherical

@Flackthat said:
@Kliao If you plan to use any for Larger coins like St. Gaudens, Seated Dollars, Morgan's, etc... I would also purchase the
2-1/2 X 2-1/2 Instead of the 2X2. The extra room really helps when inserting the coins and removing them. The last thing you want is any scratches.

This.

May not seem a lot but that 1/2 inch gives you more room to open the flip so you don’t accidentally scratch the coin (as @CWT1863 amd @Flackthat mentioned) as you put it in.

OwenSeymour

@Cameonut said:
Or you can contact BCW directly and ask...….

When I called them after their flips ruined a few of my coins they told me the "PVC Free" claim on the package was misleading

Knell

Base on my experience, I had a few coins in BCW flips and they started having that green stuff residue on them. Thankfully they are not expensive coins, removed them from BCW flips and bathed them in acetone to remove the green residue. They are now in "saflips" brand stored with the rest of inexpensive coins. BCW claimed not having pvc on them that's why I bought them from Long Beach coin show a few years back. I discarded all BCW flips that I had and replaced them with saflips.

Swampboy

@CWT1863 said:
I recommend Saflips. They are archival quality and don’t contain PVC. Just received an order from Wizard Coin Supply and got 100 more of them.

I get mine from Wizard too.

JBK

@OwenSeymour said:

@Cameonut said:
Or you can contact BCW directly and ask...….

When I called them after their flips ruined a few of my coins they told me the "PVC Free" claim on the package was misleading

Maybe they meant "free PVC", included at no extra charge.

MWallace

Saflips are great. I use them. But I think it's important to point out that they get scratched and scuffed up easily. But the way I look at it is, what am I trying to protect, the coin or the flip?

lcoopie

PVC smells like a slip cover

PerryHall

I've used Saflips for many years without any problems. They are available on eBay and most coin supply companies. Like many things, the more you buy in an order the cheaper the cost per flip.

Kliao

Just looked through some of my coins.........PVC damage . Good thing they are low value coins that I found from CRH. None of my high value coins got touched.

Kliao

Gonna get a hundred saflips today. Still looking for the best deal on eBay. Have eBay bucks to spend.

PerryHall

@Kliao said:
Just looked through some of my coins.........PVC damage . Good thing they are low value coins that I found from CRH. None of my high value coins got touched.

Acetone will remove the PVC contamination. Rinse well. Use in a well ventilated area away from fire or sparks. The fumes are extremely flammable.

Stella

Agreed with all of the above on Saflips. The non-PVC flips may seem slightly more brittle, but this is a good thing--they do not contain the ingredient that you will need to worry about after a few months.

Oldhoopster

@PerryHall said:

@Kliao said:
Just looked through some of my coins.........PVC damage . Good thing they are low value coins that I found from CRH. None of my high value coins got touched.

Acetone will remove the PVC contamination. Rinse well. Use in a well ventilated area away from fire or sparks. The fumes are extremely flammable.

To add to the @PerryHall post, if you suspect the old flip is PVC, you should always give the coin a short acetone soak. The PVC plasticizer residue may be on the coin, but at a level were it's hard to see. If you don't remove the residue, it will continue to react/damage the coin even if you put it in an inert flip.

Kliao

@Oldhoopster said:

@PerryHall said:

@Kliao said:
Just looked through some of my coins.........PVC damage . Good thing they are low value coins that I found from CRH. None of my high value coins got touched.

Acetone will remove the PVC contamination. Rinse well. Use in a well ventilated area away from fire or sparks. The fumes are extremely flammable.

To add to the @PerryHall post, if you suspect the old flip is PVC, you should always give the coin a short acetone soak. The PVC plasticizer residue may be on the coin, but at a level were it's hard to see. If you don't remove the residue, it will continue to react/damage the coin even if you put it in an inert flip.

Thanks. Seems like there’s something else I need to buy.

Oldhoopster

For low value coins, I like to use the standard cardboard 2x2's. No PVC in the plastic window and they are a heck of a lot cheaper. Somebody will chime in about the potential damage from staple scratches, but that's only a concern if/when you remove the coin from the 2x2 and the if you take your time and pay attention to what you're doing, the risk can be significantly minimized (I remove the entire staple(s) before opening the 2x2)

Edit to add - Make sure you crimp the staples flat or use a stapler that flattens them

PerryHall

If you use cardboard staple type coin holders be sure to clean the inside windows before use. During the manufacturing process cardboard dust is generated and any cardboard dust on the windows can cause spotting on copper and silver coins especially untoned proofs. I usually wipe them clean with a clean cotton cloth but you can also use compressed air.

Kliao

@Oldhoopster said:
For low value coins, I like to use the standard cardboard 2x2's. No PVC in the plastic window and they are a heck of a lot cheaper. Somebody will chime in about the potential damage from staple scratches, but that's only a concern if/when you remove the coin from the 2x2 and the if you take your time and pay attention to what you're doing, the risk can be significantly minimized (I remove the entire staple(s) before opening the 2x2)

Edit to add - Make sure you crimp the staples flat or use a stapler that flattens them

That what I’m beginning to do. I’m using a pair of pliers to squeeze the staples down. I got a whole bunch of 2x2 flips (probably 1,000+) at a estate sale for 5 bucks. So I’ve got a ton of 2x2 flips.

Kliao

@PerryHall said:
If you use cardboard staple type coin holders be sure to clean the inside windows before use. During the manufacturing process cardboard dust is generated and any cardboard dust on the windows can cause spotting on copper and silver coins especially untoned proofs. I usually wipe them clean with a clean cotton cloth but you can also use compressed air.

Yes I hate any thing that’s in the 2x2 flip. It’s a bit annoying for me to see anything in the 2x2 other than the coin.

PerryHall

@Oldhoopster said:
For low value coins, I like to use the standard cardboard 2x2's. No PVC in the plastic window and they are a heck of a lot cheaper. Somebody will chime in about the potential damage from staple scratches, but that's only a concern if/when you remove the coin from the 2x2 and the if you take your time and pay attention to what you're doing, the risk can be significantly minimized (I remove the entire staple(s) before opening the 2x2)

Edit to add - Make sure you crimp the staples flat or use a stapler that flattens them

When you remove a coin from a cardboard staple holder just pierce the plastic window in a few spots just outside the coin at the edge of the window with a toothpick and bend the holder slightly over a soft surface so the window tears and the coin can drop out.

topstuf

And use FOUR staples!
Flattened, too!

Kliao

@topstuf said:
And use FOUR staples!
Flattened, too!

Yes 4 . I use 8 on the big dollar ones to keep them closed

topstuf

@Kliao said:

@topstuf said:
And use FOUR staples!
Flattened, too!

Yes 4 . I use 8 on the big dollar ones to keep them closed

Multiple piercings of the Mylar can work against you.

Kliao

@topstuf said:

@Kliao said:

@topstuf said:
And use FOUR staples!
Flattened, too!

Yes 4 . I use 8 on the big dollar ones to keep them closed

Multiple piercings of the Mylar can work against you.

How?

Oldhoopster

These are areas where air can infiltrate into the 2x2 and initiate toning. It is a bigger concern if the coins are stored in a warm, humid environment and you don't check them regularly. FWIW, I live in the North East and haven't had this problem, even on coins that I put in 2x2s back in the 70s. (but I use silica gel packets and buffed copper cents to scavenge the moisture and other components in the atmosphere that don't play well with coins).

I don't like using 2x2s for anything larger than a half dollar. Not enough room to write anything. For the larger coins, I use the safety flips, even for low value coins.

They key is to check regularly.

smalltime

I open 2X2s by cutting the paper around the outside of the coin. No messing with staples or risky piercing.

topstuf

@Kliao said:

@topstuf said:

@Kliao said:

@topstuf said:
And use FOUR staples!
Flattened, too!

Yes 4 . I use 8 on the big dollar ones to keep them closed

Multiple piercings of the Mylar can work against you.

How?

Lots of coins stored for a long time in 2x2s can get little blue dots where staples ...LEAK!
Yep, they do that.

The safest cardboard 2x2 method is to use ACE staples AND an Ace stapler.

Then use Vise Grips set to ....almost.... closed to flatten the staples.

No needlenosed coin wreckers.

Poke a SHARP knife through the Mylar and push out to remove coin.

topstuf

Properly done, the Mylar will stretch over the coin and seal it.

Kliao

@topstuf said:

@Kliao said:

@topstuf said:

@Kliao said:

@topstuf said:
And use FOUR staples!
Flattened, too!

Yes 4 . I use 8 on the big dollar ones to keep them closed

Multiple piercings of the Mylar can work against you.

How?

Lots of coins stored for a long time in 2x2s can get little blue dots where staples ...LEAK!
Yep, they do that.

The safest cardboard 2x2 method is to use ACE staples AND an Ace stapler.

Then use Vise Grips set to ....almost.... closed to flatten the staples.

No needlenosed coin wreckers.

Poke a SHARP knife through the Mylar and push out to remove coin.

Well I’m not gonna buy that much stuff. I’m still young. Regular staples and pliers are good enough for me as of now,

Kliao

@topstuf said:
Properly done, the Mylar will stretch over the coin and seal it.

Thanks for the info

Kliao

With that PVC scare my type coins aren’t going in any more flips. Here’s a couple

Kliao

I just squeezed down the staples too after the pic

BStrauss3

Or buy a "flat clinch" staplers and be done with it in one step.