Home› U.S. Coin Forum

Will dirty coins ruin my folders?

thesearcherthesearcher Posts: 134
in U.S. Coin Forum
I just got two Dansco folders as a gift from my dad. One for Jefferson nickels and one for Mercury dimes. The coins I have to start with are well circulated and dirty. Some of these coins may spend years in their folder. When the day comes to upgrade to a nice UNC coin will any of the grime that may have rubbed off on the edges of the hole have any affect on the new UNC coin long term? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

Comments

  • Steve27Steve27 Posts: 13,275 ✭✭✭
    Simple answer is no you don't have to worry, that grime will not come off the coins.
    "It's far easier to fight for principles, than to live up to them." Adlai Stevenson
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,891 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The grime might not affect them, but dirty old coins could leave behind contaminants that can promote toning and tarnish. It is for this reason that the company that sells Eagle brand holders advises their customers to switch out the windows if you use the body of the holder to house another piece. I’m take that advice on a coin by coin basis, but if you have really dirty old coins, I’d keep that in mind if you do upgrade to Mint State coins
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • scottgardenerscottgardener Posts: 1,205 ✭
    Around the time you upgrade to uncirculated coins, you'll probably also upgrade to non-PVC flips or just getting everything graded.

    It's also possible that you may find yourself wanting to keep your original collection even as you upgrade. Don't be afraid to use the coin folders today to house the coins you've already got in your hands, rather than waiting for coins you might or might not get later.
    Improperly Cleaned, Our passion for numismatics is Genuine! Now featuring correct spelling.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    No.. but those folders could ruin your coins with unsightly tarnish. image Cheers, RickO
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,815 ✭✭✭✭✭
    PVC or green slime can be left behind by coins but if you don't
    see it it probably won't be a concern. Anytime you see green
    pitch it in the garbage and stabilize the coins in alcohol or ac-
    etone. Don't use foam rubber and avoid soft plastic.

    View your coins as often as practicable.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,748 ✭✭✭✭✭
    dirty coins have been know to cause toning on otherwise perfectly good folders.

    No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Format
SpoilerCodeQuote
Heading 2Heading 1
Emoji
:):D:(;):/:o:s:p:'(:|B):#:*<3o:)>:)
Url
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file
Home • U.S. Coin ForumComment As ...