Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/6/2007

Question
Hello, And thank you for answering my question in advance.
I purchased from the United States mint the 2007 American Buffalo Gold Proof 1 ounce coin for $825.95 as well as the 2007 American Eagle Platinum Proof 1 ounce coin for $1,599.95 about 2 weeks ago. My question is, we just purchased a brand new home and I had my 2 coins out of the blue hard cardboard box that the united states mint gives you with the coins, but, they were still in the velvet case, but the velvet case was opened where you could see the coins in view. We put on the self cleaning stove oven 1 week ago for the first time, (all the appliances are new) and general electric warns you the first time you put on the self cleaning stove oven that the smell is going to be extremely very strong as well as the fumes, odor and tearing in the eyes.The smell was so strong my eyes were burning through the whole house. My question is if the coins were possibly harmed in any way because of the very very strong fumes, odor and tearing and possible residue (if any) from the self cleaning oven stove since the cases were both opened with the coins showing. I have the coins in my bedroom on a wood table but the very strong fumes, odor, possible residue  and tearing eyes went through the whole house. I know from what I read that gold and platinum are "noble" metals and can't be harmed in any way (but they are both proof coins). Can you please tell me your opinion and advice. Also I have the coins in a "craft paper box" that I purchased from the pottery barn. Do you have to be careful as well not to place gold or platinum in anything that contains sulfur? Thank you very much........................

Answer
Hello Ira,                             

I have asked a few others about this and in their opinions it will not affect the coins or their value as long as they were away from the heat.
You are right the coin metal is stable when exposed to almost all compounds and there will be no lasting effect from smoke and fumes.
For general storage of coins always look for acid free archival containers. Like those used for photographs. I can also recommend Tupperware it works great for more than food. It tightly seals and keeps even silver and copper coins well.

If there any more information you require on this question just ask.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack