As I mentioned previously, I am a long time user of acid free white paper coin envelopes for storing my Roman Imperial coins. I have some coins I have stored in this manner for almost sixty five years with no problems whatsoever. However, a couple of years ago I changed my storage (and coin transportation) system to that shown in the attached photo. I made the change for three reasons:
1. I began to be concerned that the constant sliding in and out of the paper envelopes might be causing some coin surface high-spot wear (paper is slightly abrasive) -- no evidence to support this -- just a nagging concern.
2. I didn't like cramming all of the coin background information into the small writing surface area afforded by the envelopes (and not having the provenance information readily available with the coin).
3. I wanted to see more of my coins rather than having them hidden within the envelopes. (although at home I do display them in those elegant velvet lined Abafil tray cases).
So to my new system depicted in the photo:
I use a zipper secured heavy duty (imitation) leather three ring binder (a section of which is illustrated) with regular plastic coin pages. An envelope is made up for each coin which has the basic RIC information written on the envelope face. All of the provenance information (previous owner tags, museum labels, etc.) is kept in the envelope. The coin is inserted into a cut-in-two regular PVC free flip -- the resultant "single flip" allows clear viewing of the coin and cuts down on the thickness of the full binder yet still provides snug and secure coin storage (especially during transport). The "assemply" is inserted into a pocket of the plastic coin page in the binder with the envelope (containing the provenance information) underneath and the coin in the flip half on top. I like the idea of the coin surface contact with the smooth plastic flip. I have included a depiction of a coin removed from its envelope/flip in order to illustrate the system.
James
Hybrid Mode
