Sometimes when you talk to each other in the threads you let gold slip out

and most times you have no clue. BUT luckily the GOLD is one mans treasure and another mans trash. A while back I was reaching about flips being stapled and scratching OTHER flips/coins. (common problem) But then someone mentioned the fore mention "GOLD" fact. Flat staple... HUH? WHAT? WHERE HOW? Flat staple?? WTH??? never heard of it and I have been collecting for 45-50 years. SOOOOO did a little research, that evening bought TWO flat staplers. So thank you for the tidbits of gold

 

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You can squeeze the staples with needle nose pliers until it leaves a nice dent. That will help keep them from scratching.

 

I have a nice set of electrician's lineman's pliers that I use to squeeze the staples flat. I already had the tool to do it.

Z

 

Your welcome I think that was one of the industries secrets.

 

I consider GOLD a close personal friend...LOL

 

pssst .... Don't tell anyone but clear tape across the corners will work wonders as well and there's no chance that the stapler, the staples, or pliers will damage any coins.

 

HMMMM thank you but is the glue on the tape harmful overtime with PVC? just asking I don't know.

 

actually I used a blunt rounded end of a folding knife for years to flatten but found a flat stapler click and done.

 

Good lord.

 

I've been asked this before and I'll try to answer some questions that I have been asked.

-Longtime storage: coins shouldn't be in PVC as that type of plastic can damage the coins.
-I only use name-brand tape to minimize any failure of the adhesive. (I do see rolls from the 60's-80's where the tape seems to be coming off but I don't know what brand was used.)
-The tape and glue never touch the clear part of the holder or the coin.
-I usually position the "hinge" at the top and place the tape diagonally over both lower corners, after putting any info on the holder (since the tape doesn't usually retain ink or pencil very well). This way three sides of the holder have tape on them.
-Faster than stapling and crimping.
-Most of the edges that are sealed using tape this way keep air infiltration to a minimum.
-Easy to remove coins from the holder, so sellers might not like this method at shows.
-Absolutely zero chance for damage to occur to coins from staplers or staples. (I've never used staples so I'm not sure if the metal is completely below the surface of the cardboard when crimped with pliers.)
_Valuable space in storage boxes isn't lost to staples that might project past the cardboard surface. (Even if they are crimped.)

With all that being said, I have been exclusively using archival quality flips (I use Saflip brand) for coins for about 5 years now.

I guess I need to look at my stored coins to see how they're doing in the old cardboard holders.

 

The cardboard dust from 2x2s can really mess up proof coins.

 

I no longer use cardboard flips but many people do and I like to be as accurate as possible with my understanding. (I realize Saflips offer only a certain level of protection as well. But when factoring in cost, storage, availability, etc. they are what I have settled on for most of my coins.)

So, are you saying the gasses can penetrate the plastic (Mylar) on the cardboard flips? (Even though the plastic itself seals against the rims/surface of the coin.)

Thanks in advance for your knowledge, insight, and experience.

 

I tried taping the sides tightly, securely, and i found some coins got loose in the flip. Unfortunately, I've found staples hold them closed tightest. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's tried.

 

Thanks for bringing that up because I found the way to limit the movement was to press the two sides of the cardboard together and stretch the plastic over the coin. Not foolproof but I still liked it better than worrying about staples.

But like I said, I use Saflips myself now. (Hard plastic holders probably offer the best protection from rub and friction.) This idea was just something for people to consider that don't have a fancy stapler to countersink the staples or want to take the time to crimp.

 

I just use a small hammer on an anvil to flatten mine. Hope I don't miss. LOL Just kidding of course.

 

tried that, got a sore thumb, using a smaller hammer.

 

They have had battery effects with Euro coins--corrosion from hand sweat mixing with two different metals on bimetallic Euros. I'll bet the same thing can happen with staple holders with enough time and humidity, if different metals are stored against each other. It's just a thin film keeping the two metals separated.

https://www.nature.com/articles/419132a