Is it OK to leave mint set coins in the original cellophane?

Barry

I picked up a 1996-W dime in original mint cello. Is mint cello from that time inert? I've heard of mint cello damaging coins. Should I put it in a 2x2 or leave it where it is?

emzee

On more than one occasion, I have taken coins out of 1970's and 1980's US mint set cello holders , put them directly in PCGS approved flips and submitted them only to have them BB'd as "PVC". I don't know if PCGS correctly assessed the coins (? there is PVC in cellophane) but my advice is reholder.
Michael

Barry

Cellophane is cellulose film and contains no PVC (unless what ther're using isn't cellophane.)

cladking

The older mint set packaging was actually four layers of plastic. The inner layers are
softer. The packaging changed to a thicker and more brittle material in 1985 and may
be just two sheets now. It might be noted that '84-D cents are usually spotted and this
is much less of a problem for later ones.

You may not be able to tell for many years if mint packaging is secure or not or like
1975 Japanese mint sets the packaging might start breaking down almost immediately.

Frankcoins

The US Mint has used Mylar for at least 20 years, which is safe.