Per request, I'm posting this along with two other article-type messages. Choices in coin holders include but aren't limited to the following, in order of estimated popularity: * 2x2s. Consists of white cardboard with clear Mylar pocket to allow viewing of coin. Can attribute and describe coins on cardboard with pen or pencil. Called 2x2s because holder's dimensions measure 2 inches by 2 inches, though most coin holders are this size as well. (In Europe larger sizes are available along with plastic shells into which you place the cardboard holder.) Paper dust from cardboard can cause spotting over time, though some holders advertise that they're dust free. Staples on staple-type can scratch coins if you're not careful when removing them. Glue on glue-type 2x2s may damage coins over time. Somewhat chintzy looking but inexpensive and relatively safe. * Safety flips. All-plastic two-part holder -- you flip up part holding coin to view coin's reverse. Can choose flips with one pocket (for coin) or two pockets (for coin and for paper insert on which you can attribute and describe coin, optionally using computer). Called "safety flips" because safe for long-term coin storage. Two kinds: generic safety flips and Kointain Saflips. Generic safety flips made from low-plasticizer PVC. Often mistakenly called non-PVC flips, PVC-free flips, or unplasticized flips. Much safer than PVC flips for long-term coin storage because of low levels of plasticizers. Can view edge of the coin. Hard edges may scratch coins when inserting and removing if you're not careful. May crack with repeated opening and closing, forcing you to replace the holder. May turn pale color over time, also forcing you to replace them. Shouldn't be used with proof coins because they can outgas small quantities of hydrogen chloride gas (hydrochloric acid), which can cause microscopic pitting, leading to hazing. Generic safety flips relatively inexpensive. Generic safety flips include: Super Safe brand (sometimes called Madison coin flips -- made by Frame-A-Coin of Madison, NJ) available at many coin shows and through Brent-Krueger Group, http://www.brent-krueger.com. Come in sheets -- you tear off individual flips. Generic safety flips (made by International Plastics of Altadena, CA) available from Jake's Marketplace, http://www.jakesmp.net. Thicker and sturdier (they make nice mini-coin stands) than Super Safe flips but crack more easily and not as good for largest coins. Brooklyn Gallery Coins & Stamps (http://www.brooklyngallery.com) sells generic safety flips that it buys from various manufacturers in China. Kointain Saflips made from Mylar, one brand name for polyethylene terephthalate. Mylar is probably safer over the very long term than low-plasticizer vinyl. Also, not as prone to cracking. Horizontal striations, however, are unsightly and may interfere with viewing of coin inside. Sharp corners. More expensive than generic safety flips. * Flips (also called soft vinyl flips). Consist of PVC (polyvinylchloride, also known as vinyl), stabilizers (to prolong life), and plasticizers (to soften the plastic). Plasticizers can damage coins over time (causes "PVC damage," which looks like green goo), with damage occurring faster when flips are exposed to heat, humidity, or sunlight. Soft vinyl flips are used by sellers and in submitting coins to grading services because they make it easy to insert and remove coins and because they're inexpensive. Coins bought in soft vinyl flips should be removed and placed in other storage media. * Air-Tite holders. Acrylic and polyethylene. Safe for long-term storage. Larger than standard 2x2 format (2-3/4 x 2-3/4 with display card). Most impressive looking holders next to slabs. Expensive. http://www.airtiteholders.com. * Intercept Shield holders. Made with material that's designed to intercept and neutralize sulfur and other contaminants, preventing toning. Can be difficult to place coins inside flexible gasket. Expensive. Can buy separate Intercept Shield boxes to use with other 2x2-size holders or with slabs. http://www.interceptshield.com/products.html. * CoinEdge holders (formerly called CoinSafe). All plastic -- Mylar (polyethylene terephthalate). Safe for long-term storage. Can view edge of the coin. Chintzy look and feel. http://www.coinedge.com. * Whitman (or Gallery) holders. All plastic (polystyrene). Safe for long-term storage. Coins slide and bang around inside, potentially causing damage. Inexpensive. * Eagle holders. Polystyrene encasing with Mylar (polyethylene terephthalate) windows. Safe for long-term storage. Time consuming to insert coins. Small coins don't always remain in position within holder. Large coins can cause the holder to pop open. http://www.eaglecoinholders.com. * Capital holders. Plastic (Lucite) holder that you screw shut. Inserting and removing coins can be labor intensive. Coins can slide or bang around inside, potentially causing damage. Expensive. http://www.capitalplastics.com/coins. * Kointain holders. Round shell that fits snugly around coin. Non-PVC plastic and safe for long-term storage. Can be used alone or inside other holders or albums. Used by some museums. Other coin storage options include slabs, slab-like holders, coin albums, coin folders, paper envelopes, poly bags, coin cabinets, coin cases, coin frames, coin tubes ... and pockets and purses. Recommended coin supply dealers: Brent-Krueger Group http://www.brent-krueger.com Jake's Marketplace http://www.jakesmp.net Brooklyn Gallery Coins & Stamps http://www.brooklyngallery.com Kelgory Coin & Currency Supply www.coin-supplies.com Stanton Books & Supplies http://www.stantonbooks.com Roy Reynolds Coins http://www.royreynoldscoins.com
Thank you Reid for this wealth of information. I am going to bookmark this and read it later when my mind is awake!
One of the most fundamental of all holders is your hands which has all types of contaminents on them. Allways wear white cotton inspection gloves when handling uncirculated and proof coins. Probably not a bad idea to wear them at all times when handling coins. Remember you have to get the coins inside the holders safely. That was a good post btw. Jess
Looking for some Feedback: The Mint uses "original Mint Cellophane " to house their uncirculated coins. Me Thinks this "Mint Cellophane" is not healthy for my coins, and could damage them !!!! Paranoid or Parsimonious - take your pick..Opinions Welcome.
