what is the oily substance in saflips?
presleyh
Posts: 516
i just got an order of saflips from pcgs. if you look at them against a dark background you can see bubbles that make the two sides stick together. i think it is some kind of lubricant used in the manufacturing process. i also think it will kill proof coins. but is there a way to clean out these before use and do i need to?
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Comments
They are manufactured under strict quality control. Don't attempt to "clean" them, you'll just get them dirty.
If they are the real deal, the package they come in will say SAFLIP with the little R next too it. The colors are kind of cool, though.
Russ, NCNE
I'm afraid I don't have any better suggestion than using SAFLIPs alone. That's what I settled on after ruining a lot of coins with other methods. I also send them via Express Mail to minimize time in transit so they aren't exposed to as many temperature extremes.
Of course Express is not as safe as Registered Mail from loss/theft. I also don't pay for any extra insurance to avoid drawing attention to the package. Usual disclaimers about doing it at your own risk.
I never pop a coin in a flip right after cracking it out or pulling it from packaging. I learned the hard way that, once exposed to air, some proof coins grow gunk all by themselves. Now, I leave them out for a couple weeks before submitting.
Russ, NCNE
May I ask a nosey question? If the 71 came back PR69Dcam, being one of 16, would you sell it?
and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
There are 17.
Russ, NCNE
Before settling on "PCGS trashing" your coins, have you considered, where and how you are sending them from, how long they are in the postal system, the possible temperature changes they may have been exposed to, YOUR environment and technique when cracking them. There are numerous variables to be considered, particularly when your experience seems to be the exception and not the norm.
Have you noticed that the ICG slab SEEMS to be more pliable than any other slabs I've encountered. Pliability usually indicates PVCs; maybe that is why they offer the Intercept insert for additional stability.
If you truly feel PCGS trashed your coins, you really ought to pursue some type of recourse, and not just accept the damage, for the sake of all collectors, and here is my soapbox comment:
As a submitter to PCGS you have essentially made certain agreements; one of which is to bring errors to their attention - you are part of the QC process.