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Topic: 10 Year Sealed TPG Paper Note Removed from TPG Holder and Inspected  (Read 4841 times)
wagnert89
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Hi everyone,

I could not find much information regarding long term storage of Canadian paper money in TPG holders.  I decided to do some research of my own.  I read about "flame" tests, but I wanted to see how well the banknotes preserved over time and if the sealed holders were safe for long term storage. 

I took a paper money banknote that was sealed in a TPG holder for approximately 10 years and removed it to inspect the condition.  I made this video for research purposes and I hope everyone enjoys it (read description section in video for more info)!

https://youtu.be/RuYQ10Uj3l4

Travis
« Last Edit: January 09, 2019, 09:44:34 pm by wagnert89 »
walktothewater
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« Reply #1 on: January 10, 2019, 02:14:03 pm »

Quote
I read about "flame" tests, but I wanted to see how well the banknotes preserved over time and if the sealed holders were safe for long term storage. 

The test you read about is called a "Beilstein Test" which can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDTcQArIiMU or you can read about the test here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilstein_test

To summarize: you would heat up a copper wire, then dip it on the plastic holder (for a dab of the plastic), then hold the wire (plus plastic) over an open flame to heat it up.  Should the flame turn green- means you have a holder with PVC and which would eventually react to the paper (the holder has PVC, a mild acid which can cause damage to the note over time). If the flame remains unchanged than there is no reaction/no problems with your banknote holder. (BTW: if you carry out the test be sure to do it in an open area- and don't breath in the fumes made by the burnt plastic as they can be toxic)

Susan Maltby (a conservator) gave an excellent presentation on preserving a coin or paper money collection at last year's RCNA convention in Mississauga.  If she is giving a workshop, I highly recommend you (& CPMF members) to attend as it was fun to learn & participate. She also noted that most plastics have been made PVC free for the last 5-10 years.

Your video was smoothly shot, but on a personal note, I always hate to see a TPG holder cut into (esp BCS as they seal/preserve the note in a PVC-free mylar sleeve).  For details about BCS holders see: https://www.banknotecertification.com/ourholder.php
« Last Edit: January 10, 2019, 02:18:50 pm by walktothewater »

wagnert89
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« Reply #2 on: January 10, 2019, 05:25:50 pm »

Thank you for clarifying the "Beilstein Test" for others and maybe by slang word "flame" was not the best choice but you knew what I meant.  Either way, I read posts on here that PMG, CCCS and CCGS passed the test but the BCS holders did not. 
What are peoples opinion regarding this failed Beilstien test and the fact that there are banknote features/outlines on the holder after 10 years?
 

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