How do you store your coins?

These are the ones I currently have everything in:

http://www.coinholder.com/bettercoinalbums.html

http://www.coinholder.com/betterstaple.html

and they state that they are "Archival-chemically inert-guaranteed no PVC."

However, I will be looking for a new source when I need more 2x2's and pages because the quality of their 2x2's has really slipped on my last couple of orders.


I like coinman's 2x2's they are nice.

 

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2x2's in the plastic pages in binders here too. But with the large quantity (and cost), the majority are in polyethylene plastic sleeves in 2-inch envelopes. These, as well as many 2x2's, are easily stored in used aluminum foil boxes (2x12) in order by country and then denomination and date. Cool and dry is the key.
I believe I heard somewhere that the glue in those self seal 2x2's may release gases as it ages that may react with a coin. Not sure of the truth in that but it seems very possible since it is a chemical substance.

 

For the larger items, such as proof sets, mint coin bags and coin rolls, I have been using the military ammo canisters. I throw some desiccant bags in there with a humidity indicator strip and only have to change them out every year or so. They really are air tight if they are not all bent up - be sure to look them over well. I tried a plastic commercial version and found that they are not air tight despite the rubber ring on the lid. When I put water in them and turned them upside down, they leaked like a dribble cup. I have not had any toning/hazing or spotting on any items over the last several years when they have been stored this way.

On the other hand, I had some slabbed American eagle bullions in PCGS plastic stored in the blue PCGS boxes with some desiccant, while sitting in the closet this summer. I was horrified to find that almost all of my silver eagles started to spot. My newer platinums were unaffected. I had the gold further protected in a large freezer bag, thank goodness. Evidently, the humidity during the summer did its job. It is so upsetting to see my coins succumb to the environment just because I didn't take the simple steps of protecting them. Now, I am leaving nothing to chance..... I have bought the Intercept shield boxes that hold the slabs and provide an added level of protection from destructive environmental gases. Butt ugly, but they can be easily removed from the boxes for viewing

http://www.interceptshield.com/

These are then stored in ammo cans with desiccant packages. Short of finding a vacuumed environmental chamber, I don't know what else I could do. Even the mint is learning the hard way, having to destroy their secret stash of proof sets that miraculously appeared for further profit of a sold-out item.

 

Personally I prefer 3 ring binder and PVC free 2X2 pages. You can buy archival 2X2 pages at any quality photographic shop, just ask for slide pages. These are less expensive than the ones the coin dealers sell and thinner and they are archival quality allready. Whatever, storage device you decide needs to be PVC free, if it smells don't use it because it is off gassing and that is what causes AT and damage to coins. Danesco albums are the best album I have seen, however, these are expensive. Blue Whitman folders off gas because of the glue I have some pretty toned mercs and some ugly black ones because of these folders. Would not recommend tupperware as it smells of amonia when new.

 

Well, I placed my first order with Amos Advantage. The prices didn't impress me much, but I figured it was better than searching around for each individual item, and they do have a good selection and decent shipping charges. Finding everything on eBay would have been lots of shipping charges, more time, more hassle, etc. - and the local coin shop is too high on their prices and limited selection. Much easier to shop online - doncha just love it!?

Can't wait to get order in. Of course I didn't get as much as I wanted, and ordered a few basic books which really zapped up my Total. Coin collecting is an expensive "hobby" - I may have to add it to my "living expenses".

Now I have to go find a 3 ring binder, because I was not going to pay their price for that --- guess I will head to Walmart. Somebody mentioned "smell" - but plastic smells. Most 3 ringers are made of some type plastic - any suggestions on this.

Also, I want to clean my coins before storing - no - not major cleaning - just a little wipe down with acetone in case there is any PVC, etc. on them. Because once they are in - they are in - I probably won't take them out before I die. LOL - Guess I have to write a note to put in book for that point in time warning children not to touch the coins. They are not coin collectors - except one. Guess I will put him in charge.

I am going to start another thread on cleaning - because I know there aren't enough of those already! <WINK> :wink:

Thanks everyone for your tips and pointers. OH, one last thing - I have found a few of my coins that were in 2 x 2's and the staple has rusted and caused coin damage. These were purchased like this --- just wanted to warn you. Staples rust and ruin. They are in some teabags too, so don't nuke your teabags. Any herbal tea drinkers out there? (OK I am getting off topic.)

 

Thanks for the advice about the binder pages, I will be checking this out! I wanted to mention that I get my Danscos from Andrew Auletta, a poster here, and his prices seem very reasonable. I've made several orders fro him that I have been very pleased with:
www.brent-krueger.com

 

I mostly put them in plastic sleeves and shoe boxes

 

All of my good coins are in slabs, in Intercept Shield boxes, and in a 2-hr fire rated water resistant safe with plenty of rechargeable dessicant which keeps the %rh down around 25% or better. Humidity meters are available cheap from cigar shops.

Safe is bolted to the floor.

 

wow. how many coins do you have?

Ruben

 

I keep all of my circulated coins in Whitman Classic albums. My better coins are also in slabs and in my safe. I have a commercial grade Honeywell Dehumidifier in a closet off of my "coin room" and keep it at the appropriate level depending on what time of year it is.

 

How much did the dehumidifier cost you and how much does it cost to run.

Ruben

 

first you rent a state of the art facility built with all the latest tech then you place some guards around it third it must not look like a facility fouth dehumdifier intercept shield etc. fifth file for chapter 11 a spock story

 

I put nearly everything worth more than $20.00 in airtites.

 

I was thinking about doing that but I don't want to crack the slabs.

Ruben

 

I'll have to dig up the paperwork for it to see what the cost was. To be approximate I believe it was in the $6000 dollar range for the system, installed. It doesnt cost much to run either, I believe this is the one we have......
http://yourhome.honeywell.com/Consumer/Cultures/en-US/Products/Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers/

 

I had a small shock when I removed some slabbed coins, PCGS and NCG, that had been sitting in a safety deposit box at the bank for over 15 years. A few ( like a PCGS MS65 1915 Lincoln had developed some large "carbon" spots and some verdigris) convinced me that slabs are good for storage, but there still can be problems. I don't want to slab every thing I have to protect it. I know many swear by airtite or intercept. I do use intercept storage boxes now in the bank box,but I tested airtites, and they are not moisture tight. So I bought a Grizzly 8 inch plastic sealer through Amazon for $30 and $12 shipping. I thought the shipping was a rip off until the heavy carton arrived. The transformer looks like one from my old amateur radio.
I could make an info commercial...it seals pvc flips, mylar flips, ziplock bags, chips bags, even made little sacks out of bubble wrap for mailing a slab. I sealed some salt crystals in a safeTflip and submerged it in a glass of water. The crystals are still solid.
It is great for sealing coins to sell on ebay as you know if someone opened the package. The unit comes with spare heating wires and teflon top/bottoms. It has adjustable temperature to seal different thickness of plastic and no warm up time. Just insert and press and a few seconds later, done.

Jim

 

i keep mine in photo frames or in wrapped felt.
works 4 me!

 

I keep mine all mixed together in a coffee can out in the garage.

 

good idea, i might try it. doesnt affect the color of it? they go black if left out in air, dont they?