Coin Storage Questions
CoinHoarder
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I for the most part, like to keep my raw silver coins in plastic tubes.
Is it safe for long term storage, to have different composition coins stacked on each other?
For instance, can you store 90%, 80%, 92.5% and 40% silver in the same tube without causing some kind of negative surface reaction to the stored coins?
Also, if a coin has old PVC on it, can it spread to a coin that it is in contact with it in the plastic tube?
It seems that I read somewhere years ago it is not a good idea to mix different composition coins together.
I was just wondering about this, and would appreciate any knowledge or theories you may have on this.
1
Comments
Not sure about storing different composition coins together, but I’ve seen numerous copper rolls where PVC has transferred to adjoining coins. I would not advise storing them together.
Dave
I had a problem once with wheat cents. One or more coins must have been contaminated and it impacted the majority of tube. I've never had an issue with 90% silver in those tubes. I never mix denominations or composition however. Mercs are in their own tube, 40% silver have their own tube, etc, etc.
To get rid of PVC give the coin a pure acetone rinse. Do not use nail polish acetone.
Regarding coins of different alloys, you're looking to prevent galvanic corrosion between different metals. Realistically, this isn't going to happen between 90% and 40% silver. The worst potential for corrosion for metals used in US coins is between copper and zinc, which is why Zincolns don't last long, especially once the copper plating is breached and an electrolyte can be introduced. Accordingly, I would be most hesitant to store 1943 steel cents in a tube with bronze cents.
Cooties on one coin can and will affect adjacent coins it contacts, whether PVC, debris, rough corrosion spots, metal burrs, dip residue, etc. PVC goo could also be transferred to the inner walls of the tube and affect multiple coins. Best to make sure stuff going into a tube has been disinfected of such cooties and is dry.
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The 40% silver coins shouldn't be an issue to store with 90%ers since the surface of the 40%ers is 80% silver anyway, and the 90%ers are 10% copper anyway. Now what's the % chance anyone understands this post?
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I’ve stored 90% and 40% together for years. In some cases decades without a problem. I have done some alloy mixing but mostly cents and nickels and foreign so you’re looking at copper, nickel, and aluminum primarily.
Thank you all for your input. All good information. I appreciate it.