Hi all. At present I use cardboard 2x2s for my coins, along with binders/pages. Are my coins still at risk for staple damage or are they safe because they aren't touching other coins? Also, I am using a regular stapler, not the flat clinch, or whatever they're called.
The problem is not when you are stapling the 2x2 but instead when you are removing the staples and that is where you hear horror stories of people scratching some nice coins.
Perhaps the first thing to do iis NOT to place them in a 2x2, but instead like airtites else I would use a scissors to cut the 2x2 up if the staples are located not too close to the coin. That's my suggestion.
staple removal i've had good results using a needle nose plier and gently lifting the edge of the staple with a small screwdriver.............but you must work slow and deliberate being very very careful, good luck! grizz
staple removing Hello, Go to any office supply store and they have staple pullers. Just a little handheld device that pulls them out.. Should only run a few bucks.... Cheers
I have never had a problem using staples and cardboard 2x2’s. If you are going to remove the coin from the 2x2, do not attempt to remove the staples. Instead, cut the cardboard with a pair of scissors. Just do not cut so close to the coin that you gouge it. Cut the 2x2 ¾ of the way and finish up by carefully (slowly) ripping it the rest of the way. I also use regular staples and a regular “long” Swingline stapler. Not the tiny one or the desk set one, the 8 inch heavy metal stapler.
Some of the problems happen when you put 2x2's in a cardboard box and they are next to each other. Then when you pull them out, a staple can scratch the adjoining 2x2. Not sure if you've seen these but at coin shows there are numerous types sold. They are usually Red or Black cardboard, some have dividers for two rows of 2x2's, some shorter for just one row of 2x2's. I have 9 of the red ones with two rows. Next as already noted the removing of the staples. Not sure if you are planning on reusing ones over and over, but if not, just acquire a great pair of scissors and cut the part off with the staples and the coin will just fall out. No possible problem with damaging a coin. If you plan on reusing the 2x2, try prying the staple up a little then grab it with a staple puller and just remove as normal. If you pry with a knife, point the knife away from the coin. As to a stapler. The Swingline Brand, and others, have a removable strike plate where the staple hits. Normally this is turned to allow the legs of the staple to turn in or out. Unfortunately, this plate is rectangular so can only be turned two ways. If you are handy or know someone that is handy with metal, you can make a new plate for that spot without any groves. This will make the staple flatten out. Unfortunately they could go out or in. Makes little difference as long as they are flat. I made one with a very slight slot so the staple goes inward but almost flat. Of course you could just use a pair of pliers to faltten the staples. Here is a horror story. At a coin show some years ago I purchased a 1921S Lincoln Cent in about the highest grade any coin has the right to be. It was in a 2x2. At home I tried to pry up the staples with a screwdriver pointing at the coin. Naturally it slipped, ran accross the face of Lincoln. I threw the screwdriver accross the room but that didn't help. Great big scratch on that coin. That coin sits on my desk as a reminder of complete stupidity.
What if you have an airtight container that holds say, 50 coins. Is that still safe for your coins even though they are touching?
Rather a vague question. Are the coins touching or are they in 2x2's and the 2x2's are touching? If in 2x2's, nothing can happen unless you move them numerously. Even then, if careful, nothing would happen. If the coins in reality are touching each other, again, nothing will happen unless you shake the container continuosly.
