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Proper care of coins

blacksmokeblacksmoke Posts: 603
in U.S. Coin Forum
I'm sure this is a subject that most of you are tired of discussing but being fairly new to collecting, I have to ask. One of the things I collect is US silver proof sets. What is the best way to keep a sealed set from getting that milky haze or milk spots? I have some that are nearly 60 years old that look like they just left the mint and I bought a 2013 set from the mint that already had some starting in on a couple of coins. Does it have to do with humidity/temperature? Is there any way to reverse the effects over time? On a slabbed coin, can it be sent back in and cleaned somehow? Just wanting to take the best care of them as I can. Thanks in advance.
Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

jeff

Comments

  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,942 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Try to keep them high and dry. No humidity and no heat. Once the get the haze they can be dipped, briefly, and then
    rinsed to remove the dip. MS70 will do the job but practice on a lot of cheap coins before you ruin a nice coin.

    I live in Vegas and have never had a spot show up on a proof set.

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • blacksmokeblacksmoke Posts: 603
    Is MS70 a brand of dip you're talking about? I live in Reno and haven't had any start while in my care but I have noticed some get a little worse that had a little on them when I bought them. So it's a matter of temp and humidity. I've seen de-humidifiers for sale. I wonder if I should get one to put in my display case? I've read about some people using jewelers cloth but I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Is there anything that can be done with a sealed set?
    Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

    jeff
  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,893 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The problem is not your environment (which has been fine for 60 year old proofs). It is modern sets. Spotting is common.

    Dipping may be the only way to conserve it, once spots have developed.

    MS70 is not a dip but a spot treatment. It would be a mistake to use it unless you're practiced. eZest, nee Jeweluster, is a common acidic dip that, when used gingerly, will remove toning and unsightly spots with minimal surface erosion.
    Lance.
    Coin Photography Services / Everyman Registry set / BHNC #213
  • blacksmokeblacksmoke Posts: 603
    Hmm. Sounds like it's best left to professionals. ha ha.
    Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

    jeff
  • RedTigerRedTiger Posts: 5,608 ✭
    Ziplock bags, tupperware style food containers, and similar can help keep proof sets from humidity. Anything that designed for food is generally ok for coins in holders, though heat and cold are to be avoided. Some use rechargeable dessicant packs (heat them in an oven or with bright sun to recharge them).

    Investment blog: gold, stocks and more
  • lcoopielcoopie Posts: 8,873 ✭✭✭✭✭
    the best way is to collect something else, as no one really knows the answer to your question

    LCoopie = Les
  • blacksmokeblacksmoke Posts: 603
    I do keep them in ogp, inside ziplocs, inside ziplocs, in cardboard boxes in the closet. ha ha. Sounds like the same thing we humans have to deal with. We can take every precautionary measure we know of, but when your time's up, it's up.
    Better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

    jeff
  • lcoopielcoopie Posts: 8,873 ✭✭✭✭✭
    you might put silica gel in the inner bag
    LCoopie = Les

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