Finding Trichlorofluoroethane in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Introduction: The Hunt for Hidden Treasures

You don’t always need a dealer to find numismatic treasures. Sometimes, the most valuable discoveries come from carefully searching through circulation or bulk lots. Here’s what to look for when hunting for hidden gems.

Historical Significance: From Military Bases to Coin Shops

Trichlorofluoroethane (C₂H₃Cl₃F) has a fascinating history that spans military applications, industrial cleaning, and even numismatic conservation. This chemical compound, often referred to simply as “Trichlor” by those who worked with it, played a surprisingly important role in the world of coin collecting, particularly in the early days of professional coin grading services.

During the 1970s and 1980s, trichlorofluoroethane was widely used across various industries. In the military, it served as a degreaser for aircraft parts and circuit boards. Air Force personnel remember using it to clean tape recorder heads and electronic components. In civilian applications, it was employed as a parts cleaner, a Liquid Paper thinner, and even in firefighting equipment where its non-flammable properties made it invaluable.

For coin collectors, trichlorofluoroethane gained notoriety through its use by ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service) in the early days of professional coin grading. According to former company owners, ANACS only used this chemical on coins with severe PVC contamination, and then only with written permission from the submitter. This selective use highlights the chemical’s potency and the care required when handling it.

Identifying Key Markers: What to Look For

When searching through circulation or bulk lots for items related to trichlorofluoroethane, there are several key markers to keep in mind:

• Old Chemical Containers: Look for vintage aerosol cans or bottles labeled with “1,1,1-trichloroethane” or “trichlorofluoroethane.” These might appear in estate sales or antique shops.
• Industrial Equipment: Older degreasing tanks or parts cleaning systems that used trichlorofluoroethane may still exist in industrial settings or as scrap metal.
• Documentation: Safety data sheets, product catalogs, or instruction manuals mentioning trichlorofluoroethane can be valuable collectibles.
• Coins with ANACS History: While rare, some early ANACS-certified coins may have documentation mentioning the use of trichlorofluoroethane in their conservation process.

The Chemical’s Properties and Why It Was Valued

Trichlorofluoroethane was prized for several reasons:

“We used to use Trich 1.1.1. in the Air Force late 80’s early 90’s for a parts cleaner (degreaser). It was soon banned due to cfc identification.” – Air Force veteran

The chemical’s non-flammable nature made it particularly valuable in environments where traditional solvents posed fire risks. It evaporated quickly, left no residue, and was highly effective at removing oils, greases, and other contaminants. These properties made it ideal for cleaning delicate electronic components and, by extension, coins with PVC damage.

Health and Environmental Concerns: The Downfall of Trichlor

Despite its effectiveness, trichlorofluoroethane’s use was severely restricted and eventually banned due to environmental concerns. The Montreal Protocol of 1987 marked the beginning of the end for many chlorofluorocarbons, including trichlorofluoroethane, due to their role in ozone depletion.

While trichlorofluoroethane itself is not classified as a proven carcinogen, it can pose significant health risks with prolonged exposure. The chemical can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, potentially leading to serious health issues. Many who worked with it regularly, like the parts degreaser mentioned in the forum discussion, experienced severe health consequences.

“My dad worked in a place that made lawn mowers and had a degreasing pit. He mentioned one person who dropped some parts into the pit and actually jumped into the pit to retrieve them. Apparently he was left white as a ghost.” – Forum contributor

This anecdote illustrates the immediate and dramatic effects of trichlorofluoroethane exposure, even in small amounts. The chemical’s ability to rapidly evaporate and potentially be absorbed through the skin made it particularly dangerous in poorly ventilated areas or when proper safety equipment wasn’t used.

Modern Replacements and Alternatives

As trichlorofluoroethane was phased out, several alternatives emerged to fill its role in various industries:

• Acetone: While highly flammable, acetone became a common replacement for many cleaning applications. It’s particularly popular among coin collectors for removing residues from coins.
• Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs): Products like AeroTron™ use modern HFO chemistry to provide similar cleaning power without the ozone-depleting effects of older CFCs.
• Water-based cleaners: Many industries have shifted to aqueous cleaning solutions that, while less effective in some applications, pose fewer health and environmental risks.

For coin collectors specifically, the modern replacement for trichlorofluoroethane-based cleaners like Blue Ribbon is often simply high-purity acetone. While not as specialized, it can accomplish many of the same cleaning tasks when used carefully.

Value Guide: What Are These Items Worth?

Collectible Chemical Containers

Empty cans or bottles of trichlorofluoroethane, particularly those in good condition with clear labeling, can be worth $20-$100 to the right collector. The value depends on:

• Condition of the container
• Brand and labeling clarity
• Historical significance (military vs. civilian use)
• Completeness (full vs. empty)

Industrial Equipment

Older degreasing tanks or parts cleaning systems that used trichlorofluoroethane can be valuable as industrial antiques. Depending on size, condition, and historical significance, these items might sell for $100-$1000+.

Documentation and Memorabilia

Safety data sheets, product catalogs, or instruction manuals mentioning trichlorofluoroethane can be worth $10-$50, depending on rarity and condition. Items with direct connection to ANACS or other numismatic applications may command higher prices.

Coins with Historical Significance

While not directly related to trichlorofluoroethane, coins that were professionally conserved by ANACS in its early days might carry a premium for their historical significance. This premium would be more related to the coin’s rarity and condition than to the conservation method used.

Where to Find These Items

Circulation Finds

While you’re unlikely to find actual trichlorofluoroethane in circulation, you might come across coins that were conserved using similar methods. Look for:

• Coins with ANACS certification from the 1970s or early 1980s
• Bulk lots of coins that might contain pieces with PVC damage
• Old coin cleaning supplies at estate sales

Bulk Lots and Estate Sales

Estate sales, particularly those of former industrial workers or military personnel, can be goldmines for finding items related to trichlorofluoroethane. Look for:

• Old cleaning supplies and chemicals
• Industrial equipment and tools
• Documentation related to former occupations

Online Marketplaces

Websites like eBay often have listings for vintage chemicals, industrial equipment, and documentation. Use search terms like “trichloroethane,” “CFC cleaner,” or “vintage degreaser” to find relevant items.

Authentication and Safety Considerations

If you do come across old containers of trichlorofluoroethane or similar chemicals, it’s crucial to prioritize safety:

1. Never open or use old chemical containers: The contents may have degraded or become dangerous over time.
2. Handle with care: Even empty containers may retain chemical residues.
3. Check local regulations: The possession and disposal of old CFCs may be restricted in your area.
4. Consider professional authentication: For items claiming historical significance, professional authentication can help verify their authenticity and value.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Trichlorofluoroethane

The story of trichlorofluoroethane is a fascinating intersection of industrial chemistry, environmental policy, and numismatic history. While its use has been largely discontinued due to environmental concerns, the chemical’s impact on various industries, including coin collecting, remains significant.

For collectors, items related to trichlorofluoroethane offer a unique window into a bygone era of industrial chemistry and professional coin conservation. Whether you’re searching through bulk lots for historically significant coins, browsing estate sales for vintage chemical containers, or simply interested in the history of numismatic conservation, the legacy of trichlorofluoroethane provides numerous avenues for exploration and collection.

Remember, while the hunt for these items can be exciting, always prioritize safety and legality in your collecting activities. The true value of these items lies not just in their monetary worth, but in the stories they tell about our industrial past and the evolution of environmental consciousness in chemical use.

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