Do Intercept Shield boxes "Expire"?
Zoins
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Do you have to periodically change Intercept Shield boxes? Like Brita water filters?
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I have heard yes but I do not know the definitive answer.
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I know the older boxes were good for a specific amount of time, I think 10 years? I don't know about the current ones.
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Too bad there isn't at expiration date on the box lol.
If they don't they sure get weathered easily being so delicate in nature re the ultra blue film and the thin card board box and plastic see thru window.
10 years
Yes. They have a sacrificial anode that will eventually corrode. How long it lasts depends on your ambient humidity
That's what I thought. I'm also going to assume there's a safety factor there of a few years.
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Not sure but I've had 3 boxes for well over 10 years now with various coins, tokens, medals. All them look very stable.
The original boxes had a 10 year expiration date. Assuming the new releases are the same product and haven't been changed, the same 10 year period should apply.
Always toss in a few cheap raw red cents and an ASE or two as sacrificial lambs to make sure things are working correctly. Slip them in a 2x2 and shove them in the box.
Good to know. Have a good day. Peace Roy
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Good info to know
This from their website
As the solid state materials in the Intercept plastic react with and permanently neutralize the corrosive gases the color of the material changes. So the color change from dark brown to jet black tells us that the material is working, and once a jet black color is reached, ** it also tells us that we need to purchase new Intercept products**
http://www.interceptshield.com/faqs.html
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I wonder if you can "dip" an IS box (by which I mean wipe down the liner with dip) to refresh it.
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I know they have a finite life (as stated above) under normal conditions... I wonder though, if stored in conditions that do not 'use up' the material, if that 'life' is extended. Cheers, RickO
I own some of the original boxes that have the individual cases for certified slabs. The protection has long expired (stated 10 years on the brochure) but they still offer great storage and protection from damage. I like that each slab is in its own case with a small cellophane window that displays the coin and the label. I'm not sure if they still make those anymore. I occasionally see them offered on EBay.
I'd be concerned about the sacrificial anode still being contaminated. Is there a way to remove and replace it?
I just have old Intercept Shield boxes for my RD and RB copper coins. As a further precaution, I put fresh Lincoln cents in the safety deposit box, to serve as sacrificial coins. I keep paper products inside the box to a minimum, and refuse to permit felt, wood, velvet, rubber bands, etc. inside any of my safety deposit boxes used to store coins.
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There's no contamination to be concerned with. The problem is that a "sacrificial" anode sacrifices itself. Once the material oxidizes, it is irreversible.
You could put a piece of magnesium ribbon in the box to replace the original piece.
Great thread with some really good information. My thanks to all that contributed.
Personally, I have had difficulty locating "Intercept Shield" boxes to purchase. So, I have been using "Lighthouse" products.
"How long does INTERCEPT® remain effective?
INTERCEPT® is used for storage periods of up to 15 years. Depending on the location, the alloy concerned and the storage conditions, the product may remain effective for much longer. [...] Please note that repeated opening of an INTERCEPT® product reduces its duration of effectiveness. To extend the duration of effectiveness of INTERCEPT® products beyond the 15 years, it is recommended to close it immediately after use and to avoid frequent opening."
Source: "FAQ" section @ https://www.lighthouse.us/intercept/
"Can I tell when the effectiveness of the INTERCEPT® film has worn off?
Yes. When the potential of the INTERCEPT® film has been exhausted, the film will turn a dark grey/green colour (not the coins!). When this discolouration occurs, you should replace the INTERCEPT® product with a new one."
Source: "FAQ" section @ https://www.lighthouse.us/intercept/
The sacrificial coins seem like a good (and cheap) idea too. I'm not sure how the post-1981 cents would work though being that they are only copper plated zinc. The plating may be thick enough that's just as effective, since the reaction just takes place on the very top layer of metal.
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mothra454,
That's the point--the plating is thin, but we are talking about a surface reaction and a thick coating of copper won't make any difference. I also keep paper products (including currency) in a separate safety deposit box, away from coins.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]