The lifespan of a slab

scubafuel · November 2, 2018 1:34PM

Anyone have any data on the stability of slab plastic over time? The coins inside will outlive them. Even "archival" plastic degrades after long enough, and that time can vary significantly based on environmental factors. With rattlers and such approaching 30 years old, when might slabs start to suffer the ravages of time? Any chemists in the house?

BillJones · November 2, 2018 1:56PM

I have owned slabbed pieces for 25 years and I have a couple pieces that have been in plastic for 30 years. I can't see any deterioration. The biggest enemies of slabs are coin boxes, especially auction house display boxes, when they often get scratched of have their corners chipped.

Yes, the coins will last longer than slabs, but I think a lot of slabs are going to last longer than many people.

scubafuel · November 2, 2018 2:11PM

That makes sense. Sunlight is probably the biggest risk to the plastic, and most people don't have their slabbed coins on a sunny windowsill. That's reserved for raw coins.

Barndog · November 2, 2018 2:12PM

I wrap my slabs in even more plastic! Helps reduce scratches

CCGGG · November 2, 2018 2:19PM

@BillJones said:

Yes, the coins will last longer than slabs, but I think a lot of slabs are going to last longer than many people.

If mine last another 25 years I won't care 20 will probably be enough.

CCGGG · November 2, 2018 2:23PM

I've got a bunch of GSA slabs that are still in perfect condition. Also have some that have dings, dents and scratches but that's because they were handle carelessly. I see no reason why they won't last at least another 100 years if handled and stored reasonably well.

Leroy · November 2, 2018 3:25PM

These estimates are from Earth Talk website -

Plastic waste is one of many types of wastes that take too long to decompose. Normally, plastic items can take up to 1000 years to decompose in landfills. But plastic bags we use in our everyday life take 10-1000 years to decompose, while plastic bottles can take 450 years or more.

IrishMikey · November 2, 2018 5:25PM

I seem to remember that the plastic used in slabs has a half-life of about 200 years. Not sure where I read that. Yup, they will outlive all of us (unless we go to the 100 point grading system).

JBK · November 2, 2018 5:40PM

I believe that archival plastic such as mylar will supposedly last over 1000 years. Not sure what slabs are made of.

Onastone · November 2, 2018 6:50PM

We should just make plastic coins.

dirtygold · November 2, 2018 6:52PM

At my age I sure don't worry about how long my slabs will last.

ms70 · November 2, 2018 7:14PM

The plastic will out live all of us.

Goldbully · November 2, 2018 7:47PM

Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.
Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean?
Mr. McGuire: There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?

TommyType · November 2, 2018 7:53PM

@Goldbully said:
Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.
Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean?
Mr. McGuire: There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?

Benjamin: Mr. McGuire, are you trying to seduce me?

(Ok....I may have gotten that line into the wrong scene....)

BryceM · November 3, 2018 7:48AM

The average slab on a valuable coin lasts about theee months....... when it’s either cracked out or regraded.

OldEastside · November 3, 2018 7:57AM

I have found the lifespan of slabs is a lot less if you use them as Couch Coasters

Steve

philographer · November 3, 2018 8:56AM

I’m less concerned with the overall life of the slab vs. the condition of the critical area in front of the coin. That area seems to get scratched up and rubbed within a few months on many slabs!

ricko · November 4, 2018 8:11AM

If cared for properly (as most collectors will do)... the slab will be around for hundreds of years...certainly capable of reaching the predicted 1000 year life....and since the slab is not of an inferior grade of plastic, it could well exceed those predictions....Cheers, RickO

cucamongacoin · November 4, 2018 8:22AM

That's similar to a storyline in "It's A Wonderful Life".

BillJones · November 4, 2018 8:34AM

Slabs last a lot longer than some of the PVC free flips. I've had those turn yellow and fall apart in less than 5 years.

Here's a thought. The plastic might last for 1,000 years, but how good is the window you need to see the contents? Sure, it takes a long time for the plastic to dissolve, but how long does it take to become yellow, cloudy or otherwise unusable for numismatic purposes? I dare say the slab will still last longer than most people.

ms70 · November 4, 2018 8:41AM

Every coin will have been resubmitted before the first slab degrades to any degree so there's nothing to worry about.

lkenefic · November 4, 2018 10:56AM

It depends, if it's a slabbed coin for my type set, it'll probably last about 20 minutes after I get it home...

Seriously though, the coins that I don't crack will likely outlast the next few generations. .. at least! 1000 years before the plastic starts to discolor or becomes brittle?? I think it depends upon storage conditions...

ScarsdaleCoin · November 4, 2018 4:26PM

@philographer said:
I’m less concerned with the overall life of the slab vs. the condition of the critical area in front of the coin. That area seems to get scratched up and rubbed within a few months on many slabs!

We sell a great product called coin guards which are simple round discs that protect the front area of the slab