Hello everyone. I am new to the group and undergoing the task of changing my storage system from 2 X 2 holders to saflips for some of my rarer coins. My coin inventory is on a Microsoft Works Database. Does anyone know how to transfer my data from my files into a format that will allow me to print the flips and then cut them out? Thanks, Collectiowa
I've never used Microsoft Works, but most good database programs allow you to format your information into printable form. Generally you would use the "Report" function to create output arranged in rows and columns which you can then print out and cut apart. I have successfully formatted Excel files with that type of output.
There is a database similar to excel without all of the options that excel has on MS works that you can put this information in and print it from. I have this on my other PC, but cannot remember what it is now, because I loaded Office on it a couple of years ago and haven't used the other programme in sometime.
Many folks feel saflips are for short term storage only, and are unsuitable for the long term. There are several reasons for this. Consider air-tites. I personally haven't used them, but many do. Long term storage for valuable coins.
What are these reasons? "Saflips" are made of Mylar, which is inert and safe for long term storage. Soft flips, which may contain PVC and other harmful substances, are not safe.
On Moneta-L, one member has uploaded templates for flips, which he made in Word. These are located in the files section. You should be able to copy and paste your data into these pre-made flip inserts, adjusting the font as needed. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Moneta-L/
Nobody said use soft flips. All agree the PVC plasticizers are harmful for coins. Soft flips are out. There are several reasons why saflips are less than optimal. One obvious one is that the coins can slide around in there. There are many high end coins which would be even higher if not for that exact sort of "slide rub". For valuable MS or proof coins, it can really be a big hit, $$$-wise. Another obvious problem is that saflips aren't sealed. Things can get in there and potentially cause scratches. One day, after doing some good ol' fashioned slab crackin', I noticed a plastic shard had snuck it's way into a flip. I wish I could find the thread. It's a recent one. It listed other concerns with using saflips for longterm storage.
One of the best known reasons, and ot has been written about several times in the numismatic press over the years, is because the edges of the pockets you slide the coins into are quite sharp and will scratch or hairline the coins if you are not very careful. Also, the thin plastic/mylar does not protect the coins very well. Any other sharp object that could accidentally come into contact with them could scratch the coins right through the flip. None of these things can ever happen with hard plastic holders like Air-Tites. They are 10 times better protection.
I store some of my coins in mylar flips also , but I heard of scratches on coins from taking them in & out , also the mylar flips have a tendency to break . :smile
When saying airtites do you mean the hard plastic 2x2s , the ones I use are not air tight , are there better ones . rzage
There is no such thing as an airtight coin holder - they don't exist. But when I refer to Air-Tites that is the brand name. Air-Tites are round. Any good hard plastic holder will do the job. But personally I believe Air-Tites are better than the square ones or the slab like holders. And they are cheaper.
You may be able to make a Saflip airtight by heat sealing it, but the coin will still be able to move around in the Saflip. This still leaves your coin vunerable to damage. There is no perfect coin storage system available. Even the best coin storage devices have a miniscule potential for allowing damage to coins. The only thing you can do is select ones that minimize this risk the most. Like many things in life, I believe this is a combination of different methods. I don't exclusively use any one storage unit, different coins or collections have different needs for me.
Actually they aren't. The plastic is still permeable. Want to test it yourself - take a coin from your pocket and seal it up in one. Then place the flip a bowl of water, under the water. Check it in a day, maybe 2. Betcha find water inside the flip. And if water can leak in, air definitely can.