should i take my coins out of there flips

i bought some pretty cool coins today and their in flips, but i remember reading that flips make your coins green and ruin them over time, im a kid and i dont want green ruined coins when im 30, is this true and should i take em out, thanks

 

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If you aren't sure the flips are mylar, then you need to put them in new flips.

All kinds of chemical and environmental factors ruin coins.

 

Put them in 2x2 cardboard holders until you can buy/afford some air-tites. They run about 4 to 5 cents apiece and are safe to use for quite some time.

 

by flips i mean the cardboard things with the plastic window and i doubt there mylar

 

Bruce,

Most likely it is mylar film that is on the inside of the cardboard. Mylar is used rather than vinyl for that purpose because it doesn't stretch and become thinner on the edge of a coin and rip like vinyl.

The one thing to watch is that the staples do not begin to rust from moisture in the air, or they could cause toning and possible corrosion. It does usually take years for this to happen, but if you live on the seashore , check every year or so.

jim

 

I don't like using 2x2s because they always seem to leave cardboard dust all over the clear window no matter how much you wipe it down before placing a coin inside.

It may not show up when looking at the coin with the naked eye; but take some macro images, and you'll see what I'm talking about.

-LTB

 

I have my ancients in 2x2 flips called Saflip. They work very well & theyre PVC free.

http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/product/saflips-2x2.html

 

First, learn your teminology.
You are describing a 2x2, NOT a flip.

Second, in general there are two types of "green" problems, and mostly limited to copper coins (but remember, most US coins have a certain percentage of copper in them).
One type is dry or crusty. That's most often "verdigris".
The other is gooey. That is most often a product of "PVC" exposure.
Neither is good and can be best prevented by using quality holders.
The afore mentioned Air-Tites are arguably the best "less expensive" holder.
2x2's also work well.
Only use flips if you KNOW they are PVC-free.

 

"but if you live on the seashore , check every year or so'

+1,and, unfortunately, it does not take 30 years! (I can see the Pacific from my work)
Steve

 

This brings up an interesting point. I've recently begun collecting modern commemoratives, and one (in the original mint packaging) is in its cellophane wrapper. I've noticed that it has already begun toning - is it more beneficial to keep it in the original packaging or to pop it into an AirTite holder?

Thanks!

~benjamin

 

This is one of the reasons why I don't like living close to the ocean, my collection. And as you guys have probably noticed, I've got a couple coins worth over a grand, so I want a completely dry area, a basement. That's why I worry alot about corrosion and toning getting to my coins, because out here, it is usually pretty humid with salt spray. You guys are lucky.

Edit: I love air-tites, they are great investments for your better coins and all coins. But the cardboard flips will do just fine, but as stated above, I would keep an eye on the staples and make sure they don't rust, because it's bad out here. Thankfully, my safe will do its work and prevent the rusting.

 

We're all very sorry that you have to suffer there on the Hawaiian coast. I'm sure there are a number of us in the interior continental US who would be generous enough to trade places with you without a moment's hesitation.

 

Great post, GDJMSP. I'd have to agree, spend the $0.50 and buy an air-tite rather than risking all the dust and rusting staples in the cardboard 2X2's.

@JeffB: It's nice out here, for vacation and other things, but for numismatics, the ocean is their biggest terror. Even though I had $200, I wanted to store my $3500 collection in a nice safe that is water proof and to protect against the elements. Plus that's why I am thankful about the basement. But in other words, I usually go out and hit the waves to relieve my stress.

 

I prefer the non pvc for ancients due to the high relief they have. Air-tites suck for them cause they dont close. Been there/done that.

 

For the AirTite folks, do you prefer the colored rings or no rings? I have the non-ringed ones, but kinda like the colored ones. Do the rings makes it difficult to insert into the AirTite with minimal surface contact on the coin?

Also, for those of you who do/plan to use AirTites, remember to ensure there is no dust or debris on your coin and only open the AirTite when you're ready to insert the coin and seal it immediately afterward. Do the transfer into the AirTite away from moving air (open window, fan, well traveled areas in the house, etc) as you want to minimize sealing dust particles in your AirTite. And as with handling any other raw coin, never talk, sneeze or even breathe direclty over the coin's surface, as talking/sneezing and breathing can inadvertently cause permanent damage the coin's surface with saliva/mucus that will show up as ugly spots over time.

-LTB

 

I use both to give my display some diversification. You will definitely need the foam rings for many foreign coins because their diameters are not all to our standards. This applies to any medals you might collect as well.

 

I completely agree with this statement...however I have always had a problem with it and maybe you can help me solve it. I like to look at my coins in pages...like in an album. That's how I like to store them. I have never found a good way to store coins in air-tites in this way. Do you have any suggestions?

 

They do make pocket pages that will hold even a slab beside air-tites. They are 3 hole punched for easy flipping in a binder.

 

I've used black rings for all the foreign coins I've been handed down.... might consider using some of the other colors for specific themes.

Rings don't make it hard to properly place the coin. Often times i'd place the coin into the air-tite half and then place the ring around the coin, seemed to work pretty well, no surface contact needed.