Just received a 1972 mint set and the coins were covered in PVC so I spent an hour removing the PVC and luckily there wasn't any damage so they are all now in gradable condition.I don't know how much longer they would have survived in that mint holder
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10137/20151130_191238_28541x70029.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10137/20151130_191228_28556x70029.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10137/20151130_191441_28530x70029.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10137/20151130_191414_28498x70029~0.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10137/20151130_205524_28565x70029.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10137/20151130_205624_28508x70029.jpg)
They've come up nicely Stevo! (Acetone?)
Quote from: 'Unicorn' pid='82052' dateline='1448884342'They've come up nicely Stevo! (Acetone?)
Actually I used acetone delicately on a cotton bud to initially disrupt the PVC and then washed them in warm water and dishwashing detergent and then had to repeat the procedure to get the last of it off.No PVC damage evident which is quite often the case but occasionally I strike a set that is irretrievable
Just had to do this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wSO0-OOgBA)
Seriously though, do you do a final rinse with just water too?
Quote from: 'Unicorn' pid='82055' dateline='1448885793'Just had to do this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wSO0-OOgBA)
Seriously though, do you do a final rinse with just water too?
I do a final rinse with warm tap water and pat them dry with a teatowel and then check with a loupe to make sure they are clean.I have achieved up to MS67 grades using this method as it returns them to their original condition
Thanks for that Stevo.
I find using boiling distilled water does a great job for the final rinse :good:
Apologies if this has been asked before and it's a stupid question. I've just unpacked my RAM mint sets (Proof & UNC) from the back of the cupboard. I haven't opened or looked at these for about 30 years so I can only blame myself. I have approx 38 UNC sets in the PVC folders from 1975 to 2002 - at that point I gave up purchasing from the Mint. The later UNC sets seems OK, but the 1970s sets are covered it that PVC gunk. I've bought some acetone with the hope of recovering some of the coins.
However is there anything I can do to recover the actual wallets? And are the UNC mint sets worth anything without the wallets?
Are the later wallets a different plastic and is it safe to keep the coins in them?
Quote from: 'pealbrighton' pid='87614' dateline='1461129348'However is there anything I can do to recover the actual wallets? And are the UNC mint sets worth anything without the wallets?
Are the later wallets a different plastic and is it safe to keep the coins in them?
Acetone will probably melt the PVC so you'll have to try some other cleaning agent .As far as the mint sets go the higher value coins are mostly in the years prior to 1975 and only then in the highest grades but hopefully yours will be worth more down the track
You can wash the wallet with warm water and a little detergent (or Windex is probably better). Dry out well; maybe need to somehow hold the pockets open.
Then a wipe with ArmorAll (http://www.armorall.com.au/product-types/protectant/). When it has had some time wipe off any excess and, again, let dry.
The wipes might be good -I have never used them; usually just a squirt onto an unscented tissue for that sort of job.
An old toothbrush and some cotton buds (tips in some states) are handy for getting the ArmorAll into all the crevices.
It should go without saying but I will say it anyway...Don't ever return the coins to the folder, put them in flips or 2x2s instead.
Quote from: 'pealbrighton' pid='87614' dateline='1461129348'And are the UNC mint sets worth anything without the wallets?
Are the later wallets a different plastic and is it safe to keep the coins in them?
I kept all my wallets but I don't ever expect they will be of much use. The plastic wallets were not used after 1983. I'm not sure if the new packaging is OK for long term storage.
Thanks for all the replies, now have a way forward.