Are slabs waterproof?

Jody526 · October 21, 2003 8:11AM

That is to say, do they offer protection to coins in case of flooding? Particularly PCGS, NGC and ANACS.

razorface1027 · October 21, 2003 8:18AM

That's a ? I've been asking myself lately. Thanks for choosing this topic. I know this...my munchkin 7 month old was saturating my 1881-O Morgan Dollar last night, by gnawing on it and throwing it. They're durable, I can attest to that. As far as waterproof, only time will tell! I'll be looking for little bubbles that I expect to be floating around liberty's head in the near future...

Placid · October 21, 2003 8:20AM

Not pcgs. The new ngc ones are. I doubt anacs are but not sure.

LAWMAN · October 21, 2003 8:21AM

Don't bet on it. They are not absolutely airtight, at least the older ones weren't, hence the flap over copper turning in the slab. I don't even think the new ones are absolutely airtight. If air can get in, can water be far behind? This requires a bathtub test with one or more throw-aways. Who volunteers?

shylock · October 21, 2003 9:10AM

As Placid mentioned the new NGC slabs were advertised as being airtite. This actually contributes to a problem I've had with their slabs, many seem to bulge out at the center and scuff very easily right over the coin -- a good idea that needs some re-tinkering. I think someone in the old PCGS forum (pre-Feb 2001) did a beer experiment with slabs that resulted in many hungover coins. Anyone remember that?

paigowjohnny · October 21, 2003 9:10AM

<< <i>bathtub test with one or more throw-aways. Who volunteers? >>

Enough Frankie slabs being shown here...sacrifice one of them

SeattleSlammer · October 21, 2003 9:13AM

Jody526,

Don't know and I don't have a slab to sacrifice.....surely someone can spare one?

You don't live in Seattle do you? We broke our old record yesterday for the most rainfall in 24 hours -- 5.25 inches! You know it's wet when you can say Seattle has NEVER seen as much rain as it did yesterday.

kamehameha00 · October 21, 2003 9:22AM

Sample slabs...ROB CAMERON!

Bulldog · October 21, 2003 9:47AM

NO!

fivecents · October 21, 2003 9:51AM

<< <i>Are slabs waterproof? >>

Heck some of the slabs aren't even baked potato proof.

kieferscoins · October 21, 2003 10:23AM

<< <i>Sample slabs...ROB CAMERON! >>

I don't mind testing each grading service (and their various types of slabs) with a cheap sample slab. You want me to try?

Cameron Kiefer

njcoincrank · October 21, 2003 10:34AM

I am not a scientist, but I can say this:

If the sonic seal on any plastic slab is 100% sealed then the coin should be waterproof for a short period of time.

The problem is that plastic is porus, and most gases can and do in and out gas. Water has a different structure, and has a more difficult time getting through the plastic.

Think of it this way. A 2 liter bottle of soda holds the carbonated beverage. It can and will keep the liquid inside indefinately, although the beverage will eventually go "flat". That is to say the carbonation has out gased.

I hope this helps answer some of the questions.

njcoincrank

Sorry for the spelling.

291fifth · October 21, 2003 11:14AM

I would be surprised if any slabs could be considered waterproof.

ldhair · October 21, 2003 11:27AM

I'm thinking Dog has the answer to this one

abuell · October 21, 2003 11:42AM

Only down to 450 feet. After that you're on your own.

ms70 · October 21, 2003 11:45AM

I know for a fact that the old rattlers are not waterproof! I cleaned sticker goo off of one with goo remover & followed up with
a little soap & water rinse. Next thing I know the lable inside is soaking up water! I dried it as fast as I could & hit it with a blow
dryer on the edge for about 10 minutes. After about a day it dried up & looked normal without any stain.

AND in case anyone is wondering, I didn't get any cool toning from the blow dryer treatment!

relayer · October 21, 2003 11:46AM

Someone posted once they dropped theirs while taking a bath. I guess they got it out quick enough so there was no damage.

Blade · October 21, 2003 11:47AM

One of our members fessed up to looking at some PCGS slabbed coins while in the bathtub and dropping one. It did in fact fill with water and he had to crack it to avoid damaging the coin.

66Tbird · October 21, 2003 12:27PM

I remember the beer dunking,,,, wet coin and a few more bubbles. It was a green label PCGS I think.

Jody526 · October 21, 2003 12:36PM

Thank you everyone for your response. Especialy Cameron Kiefer for his offer to test them.
I am in fact asking about this on behalf of a friend who lives near Seattle.

BigE · October 21, 2003 1:09PM

There is no need to test them, they are not waterproof!----------------BigE

Are slabs waterproof?

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