So I highly prefer plastic flips over cardboard 2x2s even if they cost a bit more, mostly for the fact that I can plae a label slip on the other slot of the flip. But it has came to my attention that some plastic flips are less long term applicable than others, in regards to pvc damage. What kinds am I looking for that is more resistant to PVC damage than others? What "words" am I looking for.
Avoid vinyl flips. Vinyl is just another word for PVC. I think the Saflips by KoinTains are a good choice.
No vinyl/PVC flips, but look for 'non-plasticized' or 'archival', which are much safer. http://www.jpscorner.com/coin-flips.html
If your coins smell like plastic after being in flips, and the flips are very soft and flexible, the flips are probably PVC.
BREAKING NEWS- I have successfully figured out the safe and unsafe flips I own. Should I dispose of the vinyl one though?
PVC has a very distinctive smell. If you have a shower curtain, it is probably vinyl. Imagine that scent - now smell your flips. If it smells like a shower curtain, its PVC. PVC will also be far more flexible than archival flips. They may feel a little greasy, as well, depending on how old they are. I cannot think of a single reason to keep any vinyl flips. If you are sure they are vinyl, I'd chuck them in the garbage.
I kinda hope I'm wrong. My dealer keeps ASEs in flips and sells you the coin in the flip. If he keeps his silver in vinyl flips...
If you sell coins and mail them, save the PVC flips and write "PVC for shipping, replace with non-PVC" on outside and use for shipping as they do not scratch or abrade like the non-PVC ( Mylar,etc). Keep them in a separate zip lock until needed. Jim
I've bought coins in vinyl flips from dealers before. The vinyl flips are cheaper than non-pvc so I figured they were trying to save a few bucks. Non pvc flips in bulk are about 5¢ each, and vinyl are 3-3.5¢ each.
The Mylar safeflip s are brittle so a lot of opening/closing can cause them to break. Think about how many times someone opens the flip to see the reverse. It is easier for the dealer to use soft flips for short term storage to eliminate this problem