Storing coins in cardboard 2x2s

Hi gang, I store many of my coins in cardboard 2x2s, slid into those plastic sheets and stored in binders. I store the binders in a Rubbermaid storage container, where I also store many silica gel packs to reduce or prohibit moisture. This container is stored in a dry place at home.

I think the coins look ok after being in these 2x2s for up to 15 years, but I wonder if I should replace these. I am going to the hardware store to purchase and replace silica packs.

any thoughts? I have time this week to do this.

 

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I don't think I would replace the 2x2s. If your worried about them causing toning or some other kind of damage...I would think that off-gassing from the cardboard would be the biggest concern. My guess would be that the cardboard as it ages off-gases less.

Plus, there is always the risk of scratching a coin with a staple when you remove them from the 2x2s.

That's my opinion anyway.

 

Thanks, they look fine. I see no wierd oily gook or anything

 

The plastic in the 2x2's is Mylar and shouldn't ever cause any problems. My only "problem" with these is if I want to take the coin out to photograph (or simply fondle it) so I often simply sandwich the coin and place the 2x2 in the page with the opening down.

 

Good point. I NEVER, (after experiencing what can happen), remove a staple. DO NOT DO IT. To remove a coin from a stapled 2x2, simply use a dull plastic piece to pierce the plastic window and remove the coin. I scratched 2 or 3 coins accidentally before I learned this valuable lesson. I just did this last weekend, getting rid of about 40 2x2s that were stapled this way. I store in flips.

 

Agreed. I often will remove the mylar window. McDonalds plastic cutlery work wonders. LOL.

 

Crazy as it sounds, I’ve never had a coin scratch issue from a stapler and I pull them up and out. I must have a talent...

 

You can use an X-Acto knife with a pointed blade to cut through the mylar just far enough around the perimeter to let the coin fall out (on a soft surface!) Or, you can use a pair of scissors to cut the staples from the carboard 2x2.

 

I find that a wood toothpick works the best and is very safe to pierce and open up the mylar, no metal for me. With my luck I'll slip and scratch the coin

 

I remove all coins I buy from cardboard flips. I've seen some where the staples have rusted.

 

I have had coins in cardboard 2X2's well over 50 years without any issues.

 

Neither have I!

Not only do I use the 20-pocket pages to store the 2x2's, I also use the red 2x2 boxes for mass storage. The only thing I don't do is pack the boxes too tightly, thereby, reducing the risk of staple scratches.

SUGGESTION: Whenever you want to remove one (or more!) 2x2's from a full or nearly full box, just turn the box upside down and remove the bottom half as if it were the lid. The actual lid is slightly larger than the bottom, and this allows greater space between the 2x2's.

Personally, I don't particularly like the 20-pocket pages because you should never take the 2x2's out of their pocket. The plastic has a tendency to stretch which allows the 2x2's to fall out easily.

 

I think I’ll replace the silica packs in the Rubbermaid container and I should be ok

 

I didn't know that hardware stores carried silica packs.

 

I don’t either to be honest

 

That is actually an awesome suggestion. I have several such boxes and never thought to do it that way! Thanks!

 

Why don't you buy the silica that comes in a metal canister? It's rechargeable by simply putting it in the oven.

 

Free advice given daily!

 

As was said, if there's no signs of a problem, there's no reason to change anything. check the 2x2s and coins, and the staples, if it all looks as if you left it, then nothing to do.

As also said, If you are using silica, and you've opened the container, it's a good idea to replace the silica, once you've opened the confined space you've introduced indoor humidity to that space. the rechargeable silica I think is best really. they even make them with color indicators so you'll know when they need to be recharged, and you can buy just one for the volume of space it's in rather than sprinkling a bunch of little pouches in there.

it's more expensive up front, but then every time the color turns you stick it in the oven at 300F until the moisture is removed and it goes back to the original color and then put it back, it's good forever like that and no guesswork if it's still good or not, it tells you when it needs recharging. the more air tight the storage space can be made, the less likely the silica will suck moisture out from outside of the storage space and keep good it longer.

 

Why not just put the silica that you have in the oven and then reuse?
Also, some kitty litter is nothing but silica with color-changing crystals to let you know when it is damp.