Sealing a 2x2

I'm looking to store a few coins in 2x2s in clear pages in a 3-ring binder. My concern is, I don't want to staple them shut as I would like them to lie as flatly as possible. What is a good method for sealing up a 2x2? Should I just tape the edges down? Is there a safe adhesive out there?

Thanks guys! :goof:



Edit: I'm sure this has been covered long before I showed up with the Johnny-Come-Lately routine, but I couldn't quite get search to snag the right answer for me.

 

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Use staples. Pliers will flatten them or they make staples that put the staples in flat. Tape has all kinds of chemicals in it that you have no idea what it will do to your coins.

 

I use a MAX brand stapler. It uses what they call a flat clinch staple system... It makes them completely flat on the backside. It's a lot easier then going back and bending them all down.

Well worth it if you are going to be stapling a lot of 2x2's

http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/product/max-flat-clinch-stapler-full-size.html

and you don't have to use their staples... so for I haven't found a staple yet that it doesn't work with.

 

I agree with 'The Dutchman.
I'd avoid tape...ok,,gotta go now...Judge Judy is coming on and judging from the preview she looks hopping mad and is going ballistic on the defendant..:loud:

 

collectons.com has self-adhessive coin flips. They're more pricey and as RLM pointed out, don't know if the adhessive may damage the coin.

-LTB

 

If one was going to staple, I personally would use stainless steel after suffering a lot of coin "toning, corrosion, (which ever you think)" from normal staples. Available fronm different sources such as
http://www.stapleheadquarters.com/bostitch-sp19-staples.html

and some hardware stores. Probably Staples also.

Here are some coins, notice how the toning is at the staple entry area. The staple passes through the inner mylar and as it corrodes, this passes into the protected area. As odd as it my look, PCGS did slab these when I sent them in.

Jim

 

If I were to recommend a stapling method, I'd go with the above. Definitely use a flat-clinch stapler (about $20) and definitely use stainless staples.

If you still want to avoid stapling, for whatever reason, then spend a little extra and purchase the self-adhesive 2x2s. Personally I am not convinced of their chemical content and would not use them, but they seem to be the best option for what you want.

 

Not at all disagreeing with you that the toning is caused by the staples, but what do you think is causing it? You have a chemistry background. You must have some idea Is the zinc coating volatile? Is the steel volatile? Something has to be volatile for the affects to travel the distance between the coin and the staple. I have my idea. See if we agree.

 

Heed my advice when I got 2x2s I had the same problem. I used tape and they always shifted.Staples are a MUST.

 

I recall noticing that the staple had some reddish brown as well as blackish corrosion when removed. I suspect ferrous sulfide formation from the steel led to hydrogen sulfide production over the many years. Just MHO. What do you think?

Jim

 

Tape is a bad idea because of the chemicals in the adhesive...who knows whats in it and I sure don't want to take the risk.

 

How about glue either from the staples (most likely by my guess) or from the 2 X 2 to attach the mylar. It is quite common for glue to contain sulfur. Either way, the glues are organic and at least somewhat volatile.

 

I still have a couple of those Morgans in the cardboard, and original staples, obtained from the same dealer at the same time. I will see if I can find one where the toning might just be starting and pull the staple. Maybe I can send it to Bad Thad's for an spectroscopy analysis. Just for curiosity sake, as I don't use the stapled 2x2 for long term storage.

Jim

 

You guys leavin' your collections out in the rain?

 

I am not too sure just what that will prove unless he comes up with something weird. If you are right, the staple has ferrous sulfide on it. If my guess is right, I would likewise expect the staple to have ferrous sulfide on it. And if he finds no sulfur, then???

The only thing I know of that might show something would be for him to check a new staple to see if the glue is rich in sulfur. That might show something. And if he finds no sulfur, per my theory, it would only show that that staple would be unlikely to cause the toning. i.e. not enough glue on that staple or the newer staples he tests are sufficiently different.

 

I used 2 x 2 self adhesive style, the seller claims them to be harmless. Do I read correctly the thought is they are problematic? I have not had any coin (other than old those in my old whitmans' beyond repair) for more than a few years. The self adhesive will not work for coins bigger than a quarter because the coins will not stay put.

I am changing to the snaplock style 2 x 2 as I have time and resources.

Is the thought here I should just leave them in the stapled 2 x 2?

 

Looks very nice and easy to do, Ive got some i would like to try it with

 

DesertGem,
What did PCGS end up grading them?

 

As I recall, the 97-S did come back as 63, and the other 2 came back as 64's. I would have to go find them in the bank box to be sure, but that is what I recall. I was worried about the odd toning so I think that is why It stuck in my mind.

Jim

 

Thanks. Just wondering if they still recieved a MS even with them like that seeing I have a couple like it.