Recently I purchased a 1977 Assay Commission medal (the last year they were struck, and only year they were available for sale directly from the mint) and it came with the original Mint packaging. It always makes my hair stand on end when a coin or medal has been left in soft plastic for 43 years. In this case, the plastic was hazy and not looking so great. We are all familiar what PVC holders can do to a piece over time so I immediately removed the medal. Once removed, the medal displayed a faint bit of haze that I can probably attribute to the plastic.  The breaking down of the plastic is noticeable when placed next to the medal, and especially when placed over it (you can't even make out the lettering). I  remember the US Mint shipped medals this way long ago, and wonder if they still do? Also, does anyone know whether the plastic used is better or worse than the PVC stuff we're taught to avoid?