Question about numismatic books

Longacre

This is kind of an odd question and not solely related to numismatic books, but I want to ask it anyway. I ordered a used copy of Don Taxay's US Mint and Coinage book (really cheap). The only problem is that I think the previous owner was a smoker and it reeks of smoke. Does anyone know how to get the smoke smell out of the book, or am I out of luck (I told you this was an odd question). Thanks for any help!

mrearlygold

Why not just leave it outside for a couple days on a porch or something?

Tom

RYK

I have had the same issue, Mike. I have occasionally asked sellers of used books if they came from a smoking household. I recently declined a good price on the Breen Encyclopedia for this reason. I did not want to get into bed with that smelly thing (I mean, the book ).

It is an unfortunate reality that some of our coin buddies are smokers. I would personally like to see them quit and spend the money on their collections, but I respect that individuals have the right to do what they want with their money, health, etc. so long as it does not harm me.

PreTurb

Once in a while I run into this problem, and I find that letting the book "air out" in a dry location usually does the trick (removes MOST of the smell).

nwcs

Air it out with some baking soda nearby.

NJDrew1

My wife had to deal with this issue recently. She put the book in a brown paper bag (a grocery bag) put a piece of food wrap on top of the book, squirted a paper towel with Fabreeze, but it on top of the saran wrap and rolled up the open end of the bag and let it it sit for a few days. She insists the cigarette smell is gone.

--Andrew

TUMUSS

Just start smoking....then you will not notice!