Are Polyethylene bags safe to store brass medals in ?

NumbersUsacom

I searched online and the info I could come up with in 20 minutes+ of reading was that it seems to be safe.

But no confirmation of long term storage. I'm not sure if they are actually safe or not, and especially in the long term.

Reason for asking; I have a large, almost 4" Medal of brass composition I would like to store and take it out of its presentation box which is velvet lined.

The product I have on hand are 4x6 Uline Poly Bags #s-947. I checked their site and they are listed as "virgin polyethylene" safe for food storage, but no mention of metals or coins etc. storage.

Thanks,

TomB

Polyethylene should not harm your coins or medals.

NumbersUsacom

TomB thanks for the reply.

Since posting I looked up "poly bags" and "poly" on this site for past threads and some of the members were complaining of haze.

That the poly bags were creating a haze especially on proofs after what seemed to be a relatively short time.

Do you have any knowledge on that concern? The item I was planning to store is a proof.

TomB

I don't know if polybags are polyethylene or something else. They may very well be polyethylene with some added products to fit their intended purpose. It would likely be these products that would undergo a chemical change that might harm the coins in question. My basis for polyethylene likely being harmless for coin or medal storage is that it contains no chlorine and also that they are listed as food safe.

pursuitofliberty

to add to TomB's answer ... I have never known polyethylene bags to pose a problem, in fact, the old ANACS photo certification used these bags to house the coin after certification. Providing they are sealed and both the inside of the bag and the object are dry and without contamination, these bags should safely house coins and medals for an indefinate amount of time.

I believe that bags have also been made of a polypropylene(sp?) sustance however, which is a different animal, and I believe some of the hazing concerns are from this type of product. Polypropylene is subject to breakdown from heat and UV exposure which will cause problems for protection.

Obviously, the term "poly bag" could refer to either, and that probably leads to more confussion.

My 2c

NumbersUsacom

Thanks Tom and Todd,

I felt that getting input from those who actually store their prized possesions would be much more likely to

provide an experienced viewpoint and guidance. Thankyou!

PerryHall

I've never had any problems storing coins in polyethylene sleeves or bags. They are considered to be inert unlike PVC which should be avoided. Those sealable food bags are polythylene and wouldn't be allowed by the FDA for food storage if the weren't inert and safe.