How to Clean PVC Damage on Coins (TL;DR – You Can’t)
If you’re serious about coin collecting, protecting your coins from damage is likely one of your top priorities. However, one threat often overlooked by novice and even experienced collectors alike is PVC damage. If you’ve ever pulled a coin out of an old flip and noticed a green, sticky residue, you’ve likely encountered this problem. PVC damage is a type of chemical reaction that can ruin your coins permanently, especially those with numismatic value.
TL;DR: Here’s the short version: You can’t really “clean” PVC damage from coins, and any attempt may do more harm than good. The best way to deal with it? Avoid it altogether by storing your coins properly from the start. Let’s dive into what PVC damage is, how it affects coins, and why prevention is the only real solution.
What is PVC and Why Is It a Problem for Coins?
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide. Known for its flexibility, PVC is found in a variety of everyday items, from plumbing pipes to car parts. In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, PVC was also commonly used in the coin-collecting world, particularly in the production of coin flips—the small, flexible holders used for short-term storage. PVC flips were appealing because they were inexpensive and easy to use: you simply placed the coin inside, and voilà, you had a quick storage solution.
However, the very properties that make PVC practical also pose a risk to coins. Over time, PVC releases plasticizers and other chemicals that can seep onto the surface of your coins, especially when exposed to heat and humidity. These chemicals react with the metal, leaving behind a sticky green sludge.
This residue is not only unsightly but also extremely damaging, particularly to copper coins, which are more reactive. While silver coins are somewhat more resistant, they are not immune. If PVC damage is left unchecked, it can ultimately eat away at the metal, permanently reducing the coin’s value and appearance.
Identifying PVC Damage on Coins
Recognizing PVC damage is relatively straightforward, as it has a few distinct characteristics:
- Green Residue: The most telltale sign is the presence of a green, sticky film on the surface of the coin. This is especially common with copper coins, as the plasticizers in PVC react with copper more aggressively, but it can appear on silver and other metals as well.
- Cloudy Surface: On silver coins, PVC residue might also appear as a cloudy, hazy film, often covering part or all of the coin. This haze can obscure the details of the design, making the coin look dull and unappealing.
- Sticky Texture: The residue from PVC damage is often sticky to the touch. This tackiness is a sign that the chemicals have already started reacting with the metal, causing what’s essentially an ongoing degradation process.
Silverpicker Pro Tip: It’s essential to catch PVC damage early, especially if you’re dealing with valuable numismatic coins. Over time, the residue can become more challenging to remove without risking further damage. However, removing the residue is tricky, and in many cases, can’t be done without impacting the coin’s value—making prevention critical.
Can You Clean Coins with PVC Damage?
Here’s the harsh truth: While there are methods to remove some of the green residue left by PVC damage, you can’t truly “clean” a coin that’s been affected by it without risking its numismatic value.
For lower-value coins or bullion coins where aesthetic concerns are minimal, you might be able to improve the coin’s appearance using acetone. Acetone is a solvent that can dissolve the residue and make the coin look more presentable. However, this approach has its limitations:
- Acetone Cleaning Risks: Acetone is harsh and can strip away surface oxidation, which may further damage the coin’s finish. Additionally, if a coin is too far gone, even acetone won’t restore it to its original state.
- Numismatic Value Concerns: For collectible coins, cleaning is almost always a bad idea. Cleaning can result in a “cleaned coin” designation, which significantly reduces a coin’s value. For instance, if you clean a Morgan dollar with PVC damage, you might strip away original surfaces that collectors prize, transforming a valuable coin into one worth only its melt value.
In short, while acetone might remove the surface residue on certain types of coins, it’s rarely a viable option for numismatic items. For these, the best (and often only) option is prevention. If your coins are already suffering from PVC damage, consult a professional coin conservator for guidance—DIY attempts often cause more harm than good.
How to Prevent PVC Damage in the First Place
When it comes to protecting your coins, the best defense is a good offense. Since cleaning PVC damage is either risky or impossible, it’s far more effective to invest in proper storage solutions that prevent damage in the first place. Here’s how to do it:
- Avoid PVC Storage Materials: The first step is to avoid coin holders and flips made from PVC. While they’re cheap and readily available, the risks they pose are not worth the small savings. When shopping for storage supplies, look for terms like “archival-safe,” “PVC-free,” or “Mylar.”
- Use Mylar Flips and Two-by-Two Holders: Mylar is a non-reactive, rigid plastic that won’t degrade over time and won’t release any harmful chemicals onto your coins. Unlike PVC, Mylar flips maintain their structural integrity, protecting your coins for decades without compromising their surfaces. Two-by-two holders with a Mylar insert are also excellent for long-term storage.
- Consider Capsules for High-Value Coins: For coins with significant numismatic or sentimental value, hard plastic capsules offer even better protection. These capsules are made from inert materials and are often airtight, which helps prevent not just PVC damage but also exposure to air and moisture.
When it comes to storage, choosing the right materials can save you countless dollars and hours in the long run. Remember, the minimal cost of switching to Mylar flips or capsules is nothing compared to the potential loss of a coin’s value due to PVC damage.
Steps to Take If Your Coins Are in PVC Holders
If you’ve discovered that some of your coins are already in PVC flips, there are steps you can take to prevent further damage. The sooner you act, the better your chances of saving your collection.
- Remove Coins Immediately: As soon as you realize your coins are stored in PVC holders, remove them. Even if they look fine now, PVC damage can develop slowly over time, especially in warmer, more humid conditions.
- Transfer to Safe Holders: Place your coins in non-PVC holders, such as Mylar flips or two-by-two holders with Mylar inserts. If you’re dealing with valuable coins, consider using hard plastic capsules for maximum protection.
- Examine for Signs of Damage: Before putting your coins into their new storage, check them carefully for any signs of PVC damage. If you see any green residue or discoloration, you may need to consult a professional before proceeding.
- Consider Acetone for Low-Value Coins: As mentioned, if you have lower-value coins or bullion with PVC residue, you can try using a small amount of acetone to dissolve it. However, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and avoid prolonged contact with the metal.
By transferring your coins to safer holders as soon as possible, you can stop PVC damage in its tracks and protect your coins from further harm.
The Long-Term Cost of PVC Damage
Collectors who stored their coins in PVC holders decades ago often learned the hard way just how destructive PVC damage can be. Stories abound of collectors retrieving coins from their safes or safety deposit boxes only to find once-valuable coins covered in green sludge, their numismatic value diminished or even destroyed.
When coins suffer from PVC damage, they frequently lose their collector appeal and end up valued only for their metal content. The cost of replacing these coins can be substantial, particularly for rare and historically significant pieces. By investing in high-quality, PVC-free storage options early on, you can prevent this heartbreaking scenario and ensure that your collection retains its value for generations to come.
Conserve Your Coins with NGC
This might all sound daunting, but you can take steps to ensure you’re not one of those collectors with PVC damage on their coins. NGC offers coin conservation services to keep you coins in tip top shape. A lifesaver, if I’m being honest.
Check this invaluable offering here.
The Bottom Line – How to Clean PVC Damage on Coins
PVC damage is a silent threat that can wreak havoc on your coin collection if you’re not careful. While cleaning PVC residue might seem like a solution, it’s rarely effective and often causes more harm than good. Instead, the best approach is to prevent PVC damage altogether by choosing safe, non-reactive storage materials like Mylar flips, two-by-two holders with Mylar inserts, or hard plastic capsules for your most valuable coins.
For collectors, especially those new to the hobby, it’s important to understand that proper storage isn’t just about protecting the coin’s appearance—it’s about safeguarding its value. A little investment in quality storage now can save you thousands of dollars in potential losses down the road.
Protect your collection and avoid the heartbreak of PVC damage. Share this post with fellow collectors, and be sure to follow along for more tips on preserving and enjoying your coins for years to come.
