This is why you should NEVER use 2x2's.

I got my lots today from Great Collections.

Almost all the copper coins had white flecks on them. I knew immediately that they were at one time in cardboard 2x2's.

The problem with using 2x2's is that the manufacturing process leaves dust behind as the die cutter punches out the holes for the windows.

This dust becomes stuck to the windows, in the packaging, and even in the air when you use them.

The problem is, is that once the dust becomes stuck to the coin, it's very hard to remove. Of course using a q-tip will leave hairlines on higher grade and proof coins.

Also, once the dust sticks to silver coins, it will leave black spots over time. I have seen beautiful silver proof coins ruined with block spots of tarnish from the dust.

I only recommend using air tites, plastic snap cases, mylar flips or paper envelopes for coin storage.

As you can see this copper coin has white flecks all over it.

 

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Sometime in the good ol rock tumbler should clear those spots right up.

 

Couldn't agree with you more. Great post with supporting evidence.

 

Tim deserves a good poke here and there but not in this thread..........

 

Well said, Detecto.

 

Good points. GC usually has decent pics. Were the white flecks visible? Are you going to return them?

 

I have to agree also. Just never enjoyed seeing coins in 2x2s so I never used them myself.

 

I'm going to keep them.

 

Just a thought here........of the coins I keep in 2x2's, nary a one will be sent in for submission to a TPG'er.

Carry on.........

 

I always use a can of compressed air or a blow dryer on coins stored in 2x2's before submitting for
grading.

 

I agree that dust is a problem but some coins are not worth the cost of better holders.

 

I think I'd blame carelessness here, more than the type of holder. Yes, dust is a huge problem with the cardboard 2x2s, but you can manage it using a loupe, a good light, and a can of compressed air. And without the same level of attention it's easy enough to close up bits of crud inside a nicer holder.

Would it have been too much to expect the TPG here to have noticed the dust and blown it off? There was a thread on another forum recently about a nice coin sent in that came back with a human hair in the capsule.

 

Probably not, but if they had, there would be nothing to complain about.... and that just wouldn't do.

 

Absolutely true. I use the 2x2's and I've never noticed dust, I mean it may be there but I'm looking at the coin. Next time I look at my coins I'm gonna make it a point to look for some dust.

 

I'm just wondering... since paper dust is what causes the problems with coins in 2x2 flips, why would you recommend using paper envelopes, instead? The envelopes can scratch the coins, leave dust, tarnish, etc... basically all the things that you say are bad about 2x2s.

 

I also have seen US Mint products in which blue/black fibers from the outer box have infiltrated the coin capsule...not good.

 

Which is why I always vacuum the little dusty thingies of the 2x2's before I use them. I'll do a box at a time.

 

I disagree. 2x2's are a great way to store coins. I've NEVER had an issue with "white flecks" getting on to my coins while using 2x2's, and 2x2's are all that I use. IF there happens to be any cardboard specks on the inner side of the 2x2 simply blow it off or wipe that side on a soft cloth, it's not hard. Or you could even use a can of keyboard cleaner to blow the 2x2 clean before using it. Simple solutions are out there, you just need to use your brain or just not be lazy.