I currently have a few supersafe 'polypro' sheets with black background for holding currency, FDC and postcards but I notice they aren't as clear as the Mylar currency sleeves and sheets I buy from Denyl's of Boston which really are crystal clear (although on the expensive side >$2/sheet and don't clip into binders). I was wondering if anyone knew of any really crystal clear sheets (with or without black backgroun) that I can put into binder albums? I also want something that's going to be really safe since I will be putting unslabbed banknotes, First day covers and postcards into these sheets. Thanks for the advice.
This has sort of been discussed before, I always recommend Lighthouse Vario albums and sheets, I get the Grande size because they fit 3 large or 4 small US notes depending on which you get. They are archival quality mylar and I really like looking at my notes in them for those notes that I do not frame because my house only has so many walls. Some people put them in holders and then in the albums, I put the notes right in (unless they are in a graded holder or somesuch, only a handful of those). As far as clarity I would describe them as very clear if not completely transparent. Definitely clearer than PMG holders and as clear as PCGS I would guess. Clear enough that you won't really notice the holder. And because they are transparent you can see the front and back of the notes, the black backed pages are really for stamps...
I have those very binders. I bought the black interleaves as well, which provides excellent visual separation. However, the binder rings do make a dent or impression on the pages if you put any weight on the binder cover.
I use a brand called ITOYA. I needed crystal clear, archival-safe storage for 4-subject currency sheets. The archival safe, PVC-free Art Profolio Professional features the exclusive PolyGlass pocket sheets found only in Art Profolio brand products. A unique manufacturing process allows ITOYA's Japanese sourced PolyGlass to achieve unprecedented levels of clarity and a texture-free, glass-smooth surface. Art and photos appear unobstructed, with crisp, sharp lines and vivid colors. I bought the materials through Amazon, and am very satisfied. link to their products http://www.itoya.com/photo.htm
I checked out amazon on this product and it looks pretty interesting. I have to admit I really like the description "Crystal Clear Clarity Unlike Any Other". It's not to expensive so I might give it a try, maybe for my First Day Covers and postcards. I guess they are talking about 2 pouches per sleeve here "24 PolyGlass sheets allow for up to 48 inserts"? Seems like not too many coin and stamp shops cover it so I'm glad you posted with the info otherwise I probably wouldn't have found it. 24 PolyGlass sheets allow for up to 48 inserts. As with all Art Profolio brand books, the Advantage is acid-free and PVC-free with European-sourced acid-free mounting paper. Exclusive PolyGlass Pocket Sheets, Crystal Clear Clarity Unlike Any Other Rigid And Lightweight Polypropylen Cover Acid Free And Archival Safe Thick gauge Black, Acid Free Mounting paper 24 pages For 48 Views
MEC, thanks for the info and the really great photos. Those binders look like a quality product there and I'm going to buy some sheets before I consider the binder to see how clear the sheets are. You're right about the sheets I was talking about with black backgrounds, they are indeed for stamps and FDCs. I collect stamps, FDC also although world and US currency are much bigger collections. I also collect ex libris and am looking for a clear sheet for those as well. I also posted on the stamp forum but didn't get a reply yet so I'm glad I poster here. Right now for currency I am putting my nonslabbed world banknotes in those Denly's mylar sleeves. The mylar sleeves are then stored in a world currency box. I am thinking of possibly changing strategy with those although those boxes do hold an incredible amount of mylar currency sleeves. The sleeves are more expensive than most but the best quality I've seen. Thanks for your experience with those binder as well funknee. http://www.denlys.com/inventory/holders2.asp?category=Bank[/URL] Note and Check Holders
Usually plastic material that has a very flat untextured surface is prone to scratches over time handling. I might sacrifice one to see if I planned to have all of my collections in such, as the clearer the plastic, the more scratches show. I have never had one in hand ,
The Lighthouse sheets don't scratch easily, but they do get smudges. I have the 3 part sheets for ungraded notes, 2 part for graded, and 1 part sheets for 4 note sheets. If you go with those, don't get the 4 part if you plan to insert the notes in their sleeves. Currency sleeves are too big to fit in the 4 part Grande sheets.
The sheets aren't too expensive so I'll sacrifice a couple to see what abuse they can take. The mylar sleeves I get from Denly's I haven't scratched yet and I haven't produced a smudge on them. If I wash my hands and then touch them they fog up for 15 seconds or so and then the moisture evaporates and doesn't leave an imprint so I have been happy with them but they don't come in sheet pocket form. Anway I'll try the lighthouse sleeves and the Itoya sleeves. If they both work I can use them both for different things depending on their relative costs.
