What is PVC Damage to Coins?
Understanding PVC Damage
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, has been used for many years as a softening agent in plastic. It’s what makes some coin flips or holders pliable and easy to use. Yet, this convenience comes with an insidious consequence. The PVC present in these holders interacts chemically with the metal of the coin, creating a mild acidic reaction. This reaction deposits unsightly residues on the surface of the coin, a phenomenon we term as ‘PVC damage’.
The process of PVC damage is slow, but unrelenting. The holder’s PVC content, in combination with the metallic composition of the coin, results in a corrosive process that slowly degrades the coin’s surface. The soft, greenish, milky, or gray streaks that you may have noticed on some coins are telltale signs of this unfortunate occurrence.
Copper coins are the most susceptible to PVC damage, but silver, gold, and platinum coins aren’t entirely safe either. The vulnerability to PVC damage differs depending on the specific metal or alloy used in the coin. The more reactive the metal, the greater the risk of PVC damage.
Effects of PVC Damage
The tragic dance between PVC and coin metals results in an unsightly spectacle. PVC damage manifests itself as greenish, milky, or grey streaks or haze on the coin’s surface. In severe cases, it resembles tiny green blobs, like an unwanted and corrosive moss invading the coin’s once pristine facade.
Perhaps the most severe impact is on copper coins. As I’ve seen in my years of numismatic pursuits, these coins are especially vulnerable. PVC damage, if left unchecked, begins eating away at the surface, leaving a series of microscopic pits and indentations that not even the most skilled restoration can fully reverse.
While gold coins exhibit more resilience to PVC damage, don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security. Given enough time, even these stalwart coins can fall victim to PVC’s corrosive effects, significantly diminishing their luster and value.
Prevention and Detection
Proper prevention and early detection of PVC damage can save you considerable time, effort, and heartache. These are essential practices every numismatist should incorporate into their coin care routine. Here, we offer detailed methods and tips to guide you.
Prevention of PVC Damage
Material Selection: The first step in prevention is choosing the right materials for coin storage. Avoid soft plastic flips and coin holders known to contain PVC. Instead, opt for hard, stiff types of flips made of Mylar or archival-quality storage bags made of polyethylene or polyester. These materials do not contain PVC and are safe for long-term storage of your coins.
Storage Conditions: Maintaining appropriate environmental conditions is also crucial. Coins should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or high humidity, which can accelerate PVC leaching and the resulting damage.
Regular Rotation: Consider rotating the storage materials for your coins periodically. Even with the best of storage solutions, damage can still occur over time. Regularly changing the coin flips or holders can help minimize these risks.
Detection of PVC Damage
Detecting PVC damage early is the key to preventing irreversible harm. Here are some tips:
Regular Rotation: Consider rotating the storage materials for your coins periodically. Even with the best of storage solutions, damage can still occur over time. Regularly changing the coin flips or holders can help minimize these risks.
Smell Test: PVC has a distinctive smell, sort of like the smell you get when you open a cheap plastic toy. If you ever detect this smell after removing a coin from a flip, treat the coin for PVC damage as a precaution, even if you don’t see visible signs of contamination.
Destructive Testing: If you suspect a coin holder contains PVC, you can perform a ‘destructive’ test. Use a pin to melt a small portion of the plastic holder. If the resulting flame has a green hue, it likely contains PVC. This test, however, should be performed responsibly and safely.
In sum, prevention and early detection are the best strategies to protect your coins from PVC damage. By investing a bit of time and attention in these practices, you can ensure the longevity of your prized coin collection. As with everything in numismatics, patience and dedication are the currency of success.
Handling PVC-Damaged Coins
Addressing PVC residue is relatively straightforward, yet, if neglected, the residue will progressively corrode the coin’s surface. Merely extracting the coin from a PVC-laden flip doesn’t halt the issue; the acidic cycle instigated by PVC continues to erode the coin’s surface, leading to irrevocable damage.
Trustworthy grading services will encapsulate coins bearing PVC residue. However, the associated surface damage will be clearly indicated on the coin’s label. This notation can have a substantial negative impact on the coin’s value.
Final Thoughts
Being a numismatist isn’t just about collecting coins; it’s about preserving history. PVC damage is a silent, insidious threat that can undermine our efforts if left unchecked. By understanding its causes, effects, and prevention methods, we can protect our collections and ensure they retain their historical and monetary value for generations to come.
The choices we make in storing our coins today can have lasting implications. Choose wisely, and when in doubt, always opt for PVC-free materials. Let us continue our journey of coin collecting with knowledge, passion, and a commitment to preservation.
