How do I know if this is PVC?

drjules

Hi all

I just received this

Franc

Nothing too special I guess but it seems to fit nicely into my "bith year" collection

I like the presentation in the case but I was worried about eventual damage if the case is PVC. I don't know if this is the original folder but I guess it is as it fits so well. There is a little clouding on the fields of the coin but no sign of corrosion to date.

Is there an obvious test that will tell me if this coin is in a PVC case?

I know the best option is pull the coin out and stick it in an airtite but for $6.59 I like the combination of coin and dated cover more than the coin alone.

As always the wisdom of the forum is humbly sought

Dr J

wybrit

Softness of the plastic is a good indicator. If it feels soft yet is firm, it probably contains PVC plasticizer.

There might be a strong smell from the plastic, which would make one suspect PVC, but it may have already completely outgassed.

I have a similar stamp/coin combination for a 1980 Queen Mother crown. The wallet continaing the first day cover is PVC but the coin is housed in a blister-pack made from what appears to be safe plastic similar to that used to make "Cointains."

historygeek

Please note that sometimes that thin hard plastic can seem like soft plastic.

MSD61

If you detect a smell like a "shower curtin" in the plastic you can bet PVC is not far behind

drjules

Thanks for the tips

williamdtipton

<< <i>If you detect a smell like a "shower curtin" in the plastic you can bet PVC is not far behind >>



Well, now im confused........so i smelled my coin sleeves that hold the 2x2s..........they wreak of ''shower curtain''.........yet I checked the home page of the company and they sell them as not containing PVC.

its the Cowens 3 holed pages that hold 2x2s.........

anyone know for sure about these?

MSD61

I should have phrased my answer this way, coins with active PVC can often be detected by a noticeable "shower curtain" odor (what a new shower curtain smells like). But the same hold true to coin holders. I don't use coins flip or other holders that have that shower curtain smell and remove coins from holders that also have this smell.


I don't know much about sheets that hold 2x2s but I think that if the coin were in a 2x2 and then placed into the sleeve then it should be safe.

Steve27

It's not PVC plastic, if it was, the coin would have been severly damaged after 30+ years of exposure.