What causes green crap to grow on a coin that hasn't been stored in PVC?

LanLord

I was looking at a trade dollar that I have had since about 1973, and I noticed that the date had some green crap on it. Since I've had the coin for 30 years, I know it hasn't been in PVC for at least that long. It was in a DANSCO album for many of those years and for the last 6 or 7 it was in a mylar 2X2.

Any ideas what might cause this?

Acetone took it off with a minimum of effort using a Q-tip, but it has me wondering what caused it.

MadMarty

I have some 1990 proof sets (still sealed) that the Lincoln has green crud growing (and still growing) on. I think humidity and what, if anything is on the coin has alot to do with it.

LucyBop

make sure your coins are not by the bag of potatoes.

MadMonk

Green crap bugs!
Who knows, I can think of a bunch of reasons, including Prior pvc storage, Ans, some types of dansco's, in my experience, will result in the green crud. The good thing is that you were able to get it off with no damage showing.

Outhaul

I thought it might be mold, but it's snot

truthteller

Vergegris on copper coinage is very, very bad and cannot be removed without damaging the coin surface. Best thing to do is lightly coat the coin with Blue Ribbon. This will stop the green growth and possible soften the verdegris.

TRUTH

MadMarty

No potatos here, just green crud..

LanLord

<< <i>Vergegris on copper coinage is very, very bad and cannot be removed without damaging the coin surface. Best thing to do is lightly coat the coin with Blue Ribbon. This will stop the green growth and possible soften the verdegris. TRUTH >>

? As in blue ribbon margerine?

LucyBop

tjkillian

Blue Ribbon is a liquid that will protect your coins, it is not butter or that other "Yellow" stuff.

Tom

truthteller

MadMarty,

That coin should be buried since it's met an untimely death.

Lanlord,

Blue Ribbon comes in a small bottle you can purchase at a coin shop or coin show. It's more of a inert mineral solution especially formulated for copper coinage. Highly recommended by copper people.

TRUTH

VonZipper

MadMarty - your not supposed to store your proof sets next to the toilet.Just a (head)s up.


Unless your trying for a certain proof toning look.

MadMarty

Are you kidding, I'm going to sell it on E-Bay as US Mint science project goes way WRONG!!! LQQK, MONSTER GREEN TONING!!!

VonZipper

You forgot Very Rare.

sinin1

green crap seeds?