Does PVC affect gold the same way it affects silver?

LanLord

Since gold is basically a non reactive metal does PVC cause problems with golds coin as it does with silver? How about platinum?

nucklehead

Nope gold is a pretty tough metel. I've had gold (mostly bullion pieces) in 2x2's for years and have seen no change whatsoever. Now on the other hand old gold coins may show some color change due to the copper mixed to toughen the gold for coinage.

jtryka

I tend to agree, as gold is not reactive, but PVC could have some long term effects. By the way Nucklehead, American Eagle bullion coins contain 8.33% alloy and 91.67% gold, so they can have almost identical long term toning/spotting as the classic gold coins.

wallstreetman

Old gold is 96% on average! The new Eagles are more prone to copper spots at 91%. This is the one thing that ticks me off about U.S. gold, there is no reason they cant be 99.99, its not like they are going to be circulated! You can sure tell the difference along side 99.99!

jtryka

Not old US gold! The vast majority was 90% gold, but early pieces were 91.67% gold and the Classic head pieces were just under 90%! To be exact, all pre-Classic head US were 91.67% gold, Classic Head were 89.9% gold and post Classic Head to 1933 were all 90% gold.

wallstreetman

I guess If you dont consider the $20 pieces old. This is what I collect!

nucklehead

I stand corrected, guess I was just thinking of the Canadian gold maple leaf when I spoke of bullion pieces and forgot that the AGE is'nt as pure.

jtryka

Wallstreetman,

You are either confused or misinformed. Every double eagle I know of was made of 90% gold and contained 0.9675 ounces of gold. I double checked, and from Type 1 Libs to the 1933 Saint, they were all 90% gold. Only the smaller denominations had the fluctuations in gold content since the standards were not finalized at 90% until the 1840s, which was before the first double eagles were produced.

wallstreetman

I stand corrected, your right, I am confusing weight with purity. I knew there was a 96 something. I never really paid that much attention to the issue, other than they dont look as golden as my Austrailian coins.

MsMorrisine

Doesn't the PVC react with the copper in alloyed gold?

Timbuk3

What I don't like with gold is copper spots !!!

ricko

PVC will react with copper, not with gold. Copper spots on gold coins do bother me.... although not uncommon, they detract from the beauty of the gold. I do not recall seeing a gold coin with PVC residue though.... Cheers, RickO

ricko

PVC will react with copper, not with gold. Copper spots on gold coins do bother me.... although not uncommon, they detract from the beauty of the gold. I do not recall seeing a gold coin with PVC residue though.... Cheers, RickO

Insider2

First of all, the OP's question has been slightly diverted and off in a different direction.

Original Question: Does PVC affect gold the same way it affects silver?

Correct Answer: NO

The only thing PVC and its residue does to gold is to clog the incuse design on $2 1/2 or $5 Indians, and get stuck in the relief of other denominations. If you wish, I will post an image.

What PVC does is cause a "film" on the surface of gold. In many cases (All of them? I never gave it a thought) this is similar to the beautiful "skin" that many appreciate.

@jtryka said: "I tend to agree, as gold is not reactive, but PVC could have some long term effects."

Absolutely NOT and nothing that cannot be easily fixed! Spots on gold are a completely different thing and not related to PVC on gold.

PTVETTER

PVC may not affect gold but and a big but PVC can sit on the surface of gold coins from flips containing PVC.
Comes right off with acetone, problem solved!