Home U.S. Coin Forum

Vinyl Coin Flips, how do you know whether it is PVC or not?

I have some came with the coins/medals. Some are hard, some are soft.
how do you know whether it is PVC or not?

Comments

  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 45,301 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If it smells like a new shower curtain, it's PVC and not safe for coin storage.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.

  • OldhoopsterOldhoopster Posts: 2,930 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Member of the ANA since 1982
  • labloverlablover Posts: 3,590 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Buy SafeFlips, no then don't worry.

    "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 45,301 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @lablover said:
    Buy SafeFlips, no then don't worry.

    They're actually called Saflips and they are made of Mylar and are totally safe for coins.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.

  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,722 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If the plastic is hard and crinkely (sp?), it's probably OK. If it's soft and pliable, it's likely PVC.

  • AtcarrollAtcarroll Posts: 338 ✭✭✭

    When in doubt, get rid of it, you'll thank yourself later.

  • labloverlablover Posts: 3,590 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @PerryHall said:

    @lablover said:
    Buy SafeFlips, no then don't worry.

    They're actually called Saflips and they are made of Mylar and are totally safe for coins.

    Ok, a typo...

    "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers
  • ianrussellianrussell Posts: 2,450 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I thought all vinyl flips contained PVC?

    Mylar flips are the way to go for long-term storage, but they are not as nice to handle.

    Ian Russell
    Owner/Founder GreatCollections
    GreatCollections Coin Auctions - Certified Coin Auctions Every Week - Rare Coins & Coin Values
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The flame test (Beilstein- thanks for the link, forgot the name) works well. The smell test is also a good indicator. I just buy Saflips for the last 10-15 years... Threw out all the old PVC ones I had. Cheers, RickO

  • keetskeets Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I have some came with the coins/medals. Some are hard, some are soft.
    how do you know whether it is PVC or not
    ??

    I guess you should always assume they contain PVC.

    my solution is simple: I always have a good supply of non-PVC Archival Flips and when I buy something in a flip I immediately change to one of mine. if I'm concerned enough so I believe the old flip contained PVC, then I would take the appropriate steps to safeguard the coin.

  • OldhoopsterOldhoopster Posts: 2,930 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @keets said:
    I have some came with the coins/medals. Some are hard, some are soft.
    how do you know whether it is PVC or not
    ??

    I guess you should always assume they contain PVC.

    my solution is simple: I always have a good supply of non-PVC Archival Flips and when I buy something in a flip I immediately change to one of mine. if I'm concerned enough so I believe the old flip contained PVC, then I would take the appropriate steps to safeguard the coin.

    Not only do I do the same thing, I also give the coin an acetone rinse in case there is any unseen PVC plasticizer residue from previous holders.

    Member of the ANA since 1982

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file