So true, Tom. But they have expanded with many series that weren't available in yesteryear. I started collecting around 1958, as a ten year old. All that were available to me were the blue Whitman folders, which I purchased at a Five & Dime called Sprouse-Ritz for as low as 68 cents. I still have one with that price sticker on it!. I never saw an album until much later in my life. But when I first started all that were available were US Cents, Buff/Jeff Nickels, Roosevelt Dimes, Wash Quarters, and Franklin Halves. That's it! So, even though I wish there were more coverage of World coins, and sets such as Jefferson Nickel Proofs, the hobby and available resources for it, have certainly grown since then. And, at least we have the blank albums option for "other" applications. I liked coloradobryan's idea about custom folders/albums, and I think he's right there would definitely be a market for such. With the computer advances, I'll bet you could set up a custom album shop relatively inexpensively. Actually, the finest albums that I own are made by Lighthouse. They seem to be built to military specs, and are quite beautiful. Unfortunately, they have very few titles (I use them for Staties, Presies, and ATBs) Probably for now, I'll use the P-slots as Lon suggested and replace what's there with the Proofs I have. That's certainly the most economical idea. Later, I'll go for the blank album with foil date and mint info to create a truly custom home for the Proofs I've collected. Jack
and the same reason there aren't spaces for the Washington quarter early proofs or Roosies, or Lincolns. Same mint as the uncs, Philly
Slide marks are a very big reason not use these types of albums. Early proofs, 1955 and earlier, tend to be pricey. Slide marks from opening and closing to insert new coins or upgrades will damage the well selected uncs. and proofs. With slide marks your collection of mid to late 20th century coins becomes spendable change. Many nice coins get downgraded by the TPGs because of the damage.
Whoa! I had no idea about the slide marks. Learn something new everyday here on CT. Thanks, tibor. Got it, Treashunt! That is the essence of the answer I was looking for. You, Tom, Lon, and others have solved my little mystery. I appreciate everyone's help. We can mark this "mystery", SOLVED! Jack
Is the title of the album Jefferson nickels including proofs, or Jefferson nickels including proof only issues? The early proofs weren't proof only, and neither were the 68 - 70 S nickels, and I don't think they have holes for those proofs either. They just wanted an album for one coin from each mint for each year they were produced, so you get P,D, and S business strikes plus the post 1970 S proof only issues.
Conder101 - The album title is Jefferson Nickels (including Proof Only issues). I appreciate your input. Is there a reference that you could share with me. That's exactly what SuperDave was trying to explain to me yesterday. I'd like to learn as much as possible about this series and would appreciate any reference you might know of. Jack
I've never had an issue with slide marks either but here again, it's all about being careful. Don't push the coins in too far and double check their position before replacing the slides. It's not much different than using or not using soft cotton gloves with your coins. Never be in a rush with any valuable coins and you will be safe. Another post mentioned the Whitman Large Cent album with the slots being too hard to get the coins into. I had this problem because of the variations on the diameters of the coin. After the first coin proved to be a problem, I used an pen knife to carefully remove some of the inside of the slot until the coin went in w/o a problem. Time consuming but worth the effort of being careful. But I still would not take a chance with albums on expensive early proofs.
While you may be careful with the slide windows, others, such as a curious, but well intentioned child or some "ham fisted" friend might not be. Any coin that you value should not be placed in any album. Those coins should first be placed in Kointains and then into a Safety flip. If you want to view them as a group then take photos and create a montage.
Just a couple of clarifications: Tom, great post. Very helpful. I wonder if you've ever dealt with the opposite problem (with folders, not albums), where the slot is not tight, and coins fall out. Have you thought of a way to tighten the ports? The slide mark thing is new to me. But, now that I know it's a potential I'll be very careful. tibor - Could you please tell me about flips that you mention, that can accommodate an Airtite? I didn't know such a thing existed. I'd be interested to know more. And, the most important advice I've gleaned from this thread is "NO VALUABLE COINS SHOULD BE PLACED IN ALBUMS/FOLDERS!" Thanks to all, Jack
Wizard Coin Supply carries many sizes off Safety flips. I HIGHLY recommend them, for the last several years they are my sole supplier for supplies. They also carry an extensive selection of books, knowledge is VERY important!!!
Never had that problem with folders but an idea did pop into my head. If you had a circle cutter and some "archival" paper board or backer boards you might be able to make a faux insert slightly larger than the original hole, push it in tight and then try and see if the coin seats properly. Just enough extra to leave a slight lip in the edge of the hole. Bags Unlimited sells this type of material for conservation purposes. Most shipping is free except for certain "freight" items of large quantities.
Agreed! Great company, quick shipping and people actually answer their questions. Minimum $9.99 ( flat rate ) shipping though so one might want to stock up on other needs.
I have used Wizard and agree that they are a great source for supplies. My only criticism is their rather high shipping rates. My question about flips that hold Airtites is because of the added thickness (of the Airtite). I haven't heard of 2 X 2's that will accommodate the added thickness (a coin, within an Airtite, within a 2 X 2). Thanks again, Tom, for your willingness to help. I'll bet you're a great problem-solver. Heck, you've been solving my problems all day long today. My very best regards to all, Jack
Thank you Jack. Actually, for 10 years of my 38 year career I was a Production Technician. We all had to deal with the impossible creations of the engineers working on CAD. In fact many times we would work hand in hand with re-design with the great people in the Tool & Die Room to correct their mistakes so something would actually run the way they intended. Most would have considered it a nuisance, I considered it a challenge and loved it. Just wish I had made their salary. LOL.
Tom - I understand. I think it's the creative people who find joy in solving life's little puzzles. It's sad that the original American Handyman is a product of a bygone day. It's such a shame that many young folks won't carry on the proud tradition of the Handyman, finding ingenious ways to solve life's problems, instead of trying to find the yellow pages, to call a repairman. And salaries, are probably the absolute WORST indicator as to who has the real knowledge.