August 7, 2001
Did You Know ?
Reprint from Liberty's Outlook Newsletter
Vol 7 Issue 8

The technology for safe coin storage of coins made of gold, silver, copper, brass, bronze and nickel made great strides over the years.

Decades ago, it was realized that many coin albums, Kraft envelopes, coin roll wrappers, and the canvas bags used to store coins contain sulfur. This sometimes led to corrosion or tarnish on the coins.

Two decades ago, it was realized that widely-used vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC) storage products often damaged coins through a chemical reaction between copper (which almost all coins contain) and the ingredient in vinyl which makes it soft and pliable.

Since then, knowledgeable collectors and dealers have been using inert plastics such as mylar, polyethylene and polystyrene to keep coins from coming in contact with sulfur, vinyl or any kind of acid.

While these products (including the holders used by the grading services to encapsulate coins) are highly effective, they do not provide complete protection against corrosive gases in the air.

A newly introduced line of products takes coin protection technology to the next level. Sold under the brand name of "Intercept Shield" are 2"x2" holders for raw (uncertified) coins, a double protection box for certified coins, and a series of U.S. coin albums.

Using patented technology developed by Lucent Technologies, the coins are surrounded by a solid state material which has the look of cardstock. When corrosive materials come in contact with the Intercept Shield material, it is instantly neutralized.

The material provides 10 years of corrosion protection for each thousandth of an inch thickness under normally encountered corrosive conditions.

This technology is already being used by such organizations as the British Royal Mint, Getty Museum, Guggenheim Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, NASA and Williamsburg Conservation.

LCS carries Intercept Shield products. We will soon begin shipping the more valuable uncertified U.S. coins packaged in the Intercept Shield 2"x2" holders. When you offer coins for sale back to us, we want them to be equally as beautiful as the day you received them from us. Your inquiries about holders and albums are welcome.

# # #