For some of my lesser value coins I either put them in "dust free" staple 2x2s or the newer self seal Supersafe 2x2s with archival adhesive and cardboard. My question is the generic everyday staple 2x2s are made of cardboard from various makers based on the differences in color/thickness etc and I am wondering if the cardboard can release sulfur or acidic compounds that might affect the coins over time? Are there some that are made with acid free paper like the Supersafes? The Supersafes are expensive for the convienence of self sealing, so I am selectively using them for certain coins. For the others I would like to use acid free cardboard with stainless steel staples which cost a bit more but are worth it for peace of mind. Any insight?
For your lesser coins 2X2s are reasonably safe , since the cardboard doesn't touch the coin , just make sure the staples ends are pushed back into the cardboard so they can't scratch or rip the thin plastic over the coins , also I WOULDN'T USE THE SELF SEALABLE ONES ON ANY UNC. coins as the chemicals used could be harmful to your coins . rzage
According to the MFG of Supersafe self sealing 2x2s, the adhesive will not migrate and does not gass off harmful fumes for coins to change color and like the cardboard is of archival quality-we shall see. I always use flat, snipe nosed pliers to swage the staple ends on the staple type 2x2s into the card board so no sharp edges protrude to potentially scratch another coin . I guess I am worried a bit since the oldtimers tell me they have had coins change color in 2x2s when stored in the boxes they came in. One guy refers to it as "box" toning. I am still wondering if this is something we need to worry about if the cardboard is still made the way it was 20-30-40-or more years ago? What you are saying is correct, the cellophane or mylar is the only part of the holder that contacts the coin anyway. One poster on another subject mentioned sealing the holders with tape from the outside edge, is that a better method still?
I tried putting tape to cover the ends of non PVC flips containing new president coins , the ones I sealed with tape seemed a lot worse than the ones I didn't seal . I'd stay away from scotch tape until you find out , I know I won't use scotch tape anymore , as for other types of tape I don't know . And yes I've had MS silver and copper coins turn colors , usually an ugly black in 2X2s I had stored in safe deposit boxes , then again I didn't check on them for a few years . rzage
I am using Intercept Shield boxes to store everything, so maybe the risk is less since my storage conditions are good to begin with. I will not use the tape on the 2x2s since it sounds like it may create more problems than it solves.
I started using the Intercept Shield Products too , they are the best bar none , but don't forget to use sittacants "moisture absorbers" in the boxes . rzage
I use those as well. I am still wondering if there is one MFG over the other when it comes to staple 2x2s to minimize the risk of corrosive acids gassing off from the card board onto the coins?
I've never had a problem with the old, cheap 2x2s. If they start getting old they're very simple to put in another 2x2. Reliable and cheap.
How old is old? I think I have a few that are from the 1970s or early 1980s that still look OK and so do the coins. Are European suppliers of 2x2s acid and sulfur free compared to domestic supplies?
I’ve had MS/proof, silver/bronze coins in cardboard 2x2’s going on 20 years without any problems. A few years ago I put some of the nicer coins in airtights but most of my collection is still in 2x2’s.
Using dessicants and Intercept Shield has really helped considerably, before IS I kept everything dry with dessicants and in a cool hvac controlled environment. So far no major problems, but I am thinking in another 20 years will the acid become an issue?
I don't think any cardboard is completely free of sulfur . Best way is to check your coins often to catch any problems before they get too bad . rzage:hatch::hammer:
The scrapbooking industry has made numerous acid free archival products easier to find. Everything from paper to adhesives, including tape. This does not guarantee the cardboard flips are the same, but if they have advertised the flips are 'acid free' then they should be safe. However, I do not know about the cellophane or mylar film. Just thought I would toss this info in about the scrapbooking because not many guys are familiar with the hobby and the products that are available. jeankay
Jeankay is right on here. If your "other half" ever goes into one of those stores, follow them in. You might get some ideas. In my case, it's my sister. There are a lot of products (and ideas) that are cool. One that I have toyed with is having a "theme" where coins are involved. So maybe an event in history with associated stamps, commomeratives, newspaper clippings - all on a scrapbook format. Kind of a cool extension of coin collecting. But prices are high. There ain't no cheap in those stores - but the ideas are free (last time I looked) Oh. Sorry for kind of getting OT here...
Mylar is completely inert for coins as it doesn't gass off or make an oily film like PVC. Cellophane is old technology I am told is not used in making 2x2s for over 50 years.
