Devastated…. I am really sad bout this. Fair warning.
Coppergold
Posts: 48 ✭✭
……… im literally just crying man this…. Ugh whyyyyyyy?! I am going through my collection that i built up for like 15 years, and i been working on re identifying what i have …. Coins that I know were perfect now have this milk film all over it with the green spots, or different colored spots.
My heart feel like its in my throat and i want to scream. Photo at bottom is the literally the worse decision of my LIFE! Id rather go through 5 really bad break ups than go through this, once a year, than to go through this feeling.
Every coin with spots on it, went in looking 20x better than it looks now.
I used to keep these in rolls. Ill never put my coins in any plastic case ever again. Thats if i even decide to keep collecting.
I was already making good money with my other half, but its now cut in half.
Man im losing some really nice known varieties, and lots of unlisted variety coins all just might as well spend them now. 😭 Well… so much for the thought of selling these for my hard times.
This makes me not even want to do this hobby anymore. What the heck. Why does AMAZON sell these?
….sigh….
Just choosing these photos.
Do you know how many hours and coins i have in these books?! Just to identify half the coins I got in these took forever. Ive got 3 of these FULL. OMG. All my foreign coins too, might as well exchange them.
Im DONE! 
Oh man oh man. I am going to send amazon my mind. Ugh sorry.
Don't make this mistake.
Comments
Copper does require a little bit of special care. It looks like your stock book or flips were of the PVC variety. I've had better luck with 2x2;s over the long term.
What varieties or special pieces were damaged ?
You obviously love the hobby. It's just time to start searching and get to work again.
Sorry to hear of your misfortune.
It looks like your coin holders contain PVC which should be avoided. Clean your coins with acetone to remove any PVC contamination and store them in safe coin holders. I'm not sure what can be done to conserve those copper coins with the green spots but perhaps some copper coin collectors here can offer some suggestions.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I cant remember every single one off the top of my head but i have a lot of unlisted coins. Really cooll ones too in there like this one is a 2021 DENVER with fulllllll reverse DDR. It only had a finger print that i was gonna try to use acetone to get off. Omg…… whyyyyyyy. Now…. It looks like it sat in milk. Look how gross that is. This one even has e plurbus doubled. And the initials. And the stripes. And the ONE CENT. And the USA. Do you see it? Thats 2021 D man
That looks like a Russian album ("Moneti" = Money).
Try acetone on the coins - that should help. While submerged, use a soft-bristle artist paint brush to wipe away the scuz.
I hate to see that, it can be defeating. While it's a bigger pain, I see why people take the time to use cardboard 2 X 2's, (I've never had problems with those)
Don't take this the wrong way, but it looks like most of what you pictured is very replaceable. It may take a little time, but going forward, you know what certain flips, storage methods can do. There are some threads on this forum that talk about coin storage and the effects of certain holders and albums, give them a look to see what may work for you. Remember, copper is very reactive.
I think of it like certain foods - if it's convenient, cheap, and tastes good, it's probably awful for you!
Not based on the coins you've been posting, you're not. The lesson about not using vinyl holders is one that many people learn the hard way, but at least you learned it on low-value coins.
I can’t say I wasn’t warned.
Ok ill try that, i dont have a job rn so its gonna be a while but yeah I feel little better. At least hopeful. I know them color spots aint going away.
If you use the cardboard 2X2 staple holders, be sure to clean the inside of the cardboard holders of any cardboard dust by wiping it with a clean cotton cloth or by blowing it with compressed air. The cardboard dust is a result of the manufacturing process and any cardboard dust can cause spotting on the coin especially copper. Also, be sure to flatten the staples with a pair of pliers.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
That’s unfortunate and frustrating. Those PVC flips are just nasty. That album you pictured probably has PVC pages as well.
I’m not seeing a DDR?
What do you mean by “unlisted varieties”?
Where do you live? That is what type of environment? Moist and humid?
I thought that Acetone on copper coins was a no-no. Turns them AT colors
Hopefully of some help....
Old Thread Link - how to conserve this 1909-S IHC
No. Acetone does not interact with copper.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Exactly... I've been using acetone on copper for decades. It's about the least aggressive solvent to use on your coins and it does wonders for alleviating the ill effects of PVC damage.
Best of luck to the OP...
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If these coins have special meaning to you....go for it. Otherwise, it's not worth the cost of the acetone to attempt to restore these coins.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
I feel your pain. I went through a similar thing years ago when I discovered the mint set packaging isn't stable. I was a little luckier perhaps because I was able to remove the haze and tarnish on many of the coins. Some of your pieces look scarce enough you can have them done professionally and they might grade. Mine weren't as valuable though I did lose dozens of high end Gems.
Even the US mint has put coins into inappropriate holders. It's easy to do and some companies intentionally make holders that are no good for coins and market them to collectors. There has always been attrition even in coins that were saved and their media were poor but now this is a huge problem especially for moderns.
You do know that most of the coins not actually spotted can be restored using acetone and even easier methods? Some can, some can't but carbon spots require professional attention.
Copper coins can be effectively and safely treated with acetone but people who get in a hurry with it are setting themselves up for disappointment. The best PVC and oil/glue/adhesive residue remover is acetone. Five cent piece (75% Cu) has PVC contamination? Soak it in pure acetone for a time to remove the PCV but be sure and thoroughly rinse the piece in distilled water after treatment. If the contamination is heavy soak and rinse again I have NEVER had a copper coin, penny or nickel, ever turn color on me after treatment with acetone.
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.
@WiscKau was probably confusing “MS70” coin brightener for acetone.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Yes and no, acetone will not react with/to the metal. However, I have seen a few coins where whatever was on the surface of the coin which the acetone did not remove did change color/look. The coins the op has posted appear to have been pulled from circulation so while acetone is the safest method it is possible that some of the coins might show some reaction. Like others I see nothing of any significant value in what was posted so the risk is quite low, but really not worth the time or cost of the acetone.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Many suggest doing a final rinse with pure acetone. It evaporates quickly so you don't need to worry about it being totally dry and free of moisture when you put it in a new holder.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
While I agree it's irritating, it's hardly life or death. You may want to consider editing your thread title to something a tad less dramatic. I'm happy that you or your loved ones were not suffering ill health, though. Coins can be replaced.
Cheers
Bob
USAF (Ret) 1974 - 1994 - The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. Remembering RickO, a brother in arms.
You and me are fine, its the rest of the world that's messed up ( I got my doubts about you though? ) have a nice day all 🫡
To OP - I would suggest getting a copy of the coin preservation handbook.
Coins react to the atmosphere, heat, humidity, sulphur in storage material, salt air over time. Copper coins can go bad in the holder quickest, horrible greenish tarnish damage. I avoid them.
For optimal RCI I suggest you churn your investment. Quick inventory turnover is best. Even slabbed coins you never know when one will go bad in the holder. Then it’s game over.
For rolls which have become badly tarnished a good dip basket is needed.
Is it "presentation" or did you mean "preservation"?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Preservation (typo, just corrected).
It does with zinc.
Oh you would like for me to elaborate further sure! It was a beautiful 1984 D zinc, cherry red gem though it had a few spots. After a 39 minute soak in acetone it lost its luster and no longer gemmy.
On a side note the 5 ex girlfriends were not a good trade.
I have a Lincoln cent collection that belonged to my father. It is mostly coins just like these.
He was a horrible person and having it causes me a lot of pain.
I would like you to have them and use them to bring joy to your life. Send me a message and I will ship them to you.
Is this a troll thread? Really bummed about pocket change.....I'm not buying it.
I have no clue why you say that, or how you could even come to this conclusion without being a troll yourself. Idk. Seems like its so left field for anyone to say this. I am autistic so idk if i said anything weird but im lost.
Do i need to send a video of me going through all of my ruined coins? Ill do that too! Idk why i gotta prove myself to you anyway..
lol
Proud follower of Christ!
Kinda weird to be critical of someone collecting coins on a coin collecting forum.
Looks like cheap on Amazon strikes again.
I have had no issue with 2x2 cardboard for over 40 years.
Okay, you’re not a troll. If you had not included the note I’d have thought that you had taken the pics off the web.
Cryin’ won’t bring them back—
Get all out coins out of the book pockets and put them in 100% acetone in a glass jar with a metal lid, rinse well when you take them out, don’t rub or clean. Soak the books in acetone in the yard and toss a match on them
@Morgan White . That is wicked funny. James
@Coppergold . I have made the exact same mistake with pvc holders and ruined coins that were of great value ; at least to me. All you can do is forgive yourself for being human and making mistakes. Mistakes are just part of life. learning from mistakes and moving on is part of personal growth. Several people have instructed you on how to do what damage control you can. The most important thing to do now is to keep things in perspective and use better storage materials in the future. Good luck. James
A. Zinc isn't copper.
B. It also shouldn't react with pure zinc if it's pure acetone. If you have any water in the acetone, it is problematic. Zinc oxide might also dissolve as acetone can complex Zinc ions.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I routinely do distilled water rinse on the piece after acetone soak. Set coin on a soft cloth and PAT DRY with a soft cloth. Never wipe or rub the coin with the drying cloth. Use wife or girlfriend's hair blow dryer on low heat to speed up the drying process.
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.
There's no need to rinse with water. Pure acetone will evaporate with no residue.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
evaporate
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
That too. 😅
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Hey my friend can I ask you and the forum some questions about your coin collection.
Is your whole collection displayed in those binders with the plastic holders?
People here have mentioned the ones you stored the cents in have PVC. Do you need to re-house all your coins to get them out of PVC holders?
When did you get those, was it before people knew of PVC?
Llamas and alpacas are camels. They aren't like camels, or related. They are camels. When was anyone going to tell me this?! How long had Bill Nye been holding out on us?
I’ve got my kid Whitman blue folders and the bright Red Unc. Pennies from the 60s, 70s are Still bright red and look like the day I put them in
So i put them in like 5 years ago, i was told to do some test and i did the test to see if it was PVC and from what i read the test gave no indication of being PVC. Idk if i read the test wrong, or if i was told misinformation, or if this type of pvc is different, but yes i gotta take them all out and put them all back into rolls after i clean them with acetone. Ill keep em in rolls till i can get the correct display that wont ruin my coins. Just gotta get a job
So i put them in like 5 years ago, i was told to do some test and i did the test to see if it was PVC and from what i read the test gave no indication of being PVC. Idk if i read the test wrong, or if i was told misinformation, or if this type of pvc is different, but yes i gotta take them all out and put them all back into rolls after i clean them with acetone. Ill keep em in rolls till i can get the correct display that wont ruin my coins. Just gotta get a job
That is unfortunate.
Your books have a foreign alphabet, looks Russian or greek.
Who made those books, is it an off-brand?
I've ordered coin flips from Amazon that were PVC free but when they arrived, I knew off of feel not to use them. It's unfortunate that so many online listings are blatantly wrong.
Llamas and alpacas are camels. They aren't like camels, or related. They are camels. When was anyone going to tell me this?! How long had Bill Nye been holding out on us?