I have been using the old plastic sheet holders that you place in a binder. I have been doing this for my sets and several other coins that are not included in my sets. I use the hard plastic single coin holders for my most valuable coins. I am just wondering what you all use. I used to like the filed sheets but they just are not quite what I'm looking for to display my sets. Thanks Brent
What would be cool. Is so sort of shadow box/frame that you can put your Slabs in.....but yes i've thought about this too, trying to find some way to nicely display your coins/sets. Even slabbed ones.
Display is always an issue. Think about it though, do you REALLY want to display coins in your house so everyone who comes over knows you have valuable coins inside your house? Such information has a tendency to spread....
I use the 20 coin binder pages myself, along with the cardboard 2x2s(much cheaper than the hard holders or airtites, and I can get 100 of any denomination for $3.00).
I just posted this thread, you may find helpful: http://www.cointalk.com/t199778/ - I had to rebuild my whole collection from scratch (the storage, not the display). Then I reviewed albums in the next post. Hopefully it's helpful . . .
I guess that would be an issue for most people. Didnt think of that. I really wouldnt have an issue with a display. I keep all of my coins in a secure area that only I have access to. I feel quite fortunate that I have an area like that.
There are a few ways but personally I would not display my coins around the house so everyone can see. In binders or boxes are fine. The two most important factors are proper supplies that are pvc free. And out of sight from other people so others besides family won't know where they are.
And you have been doing this for how long ? I ask because the majority of the sheets that you describe are made with PVC. One of the worst things there is that you can expose your coins to. They do make archival quality sheets like the ones you are using, but very few suppliers carry them and most people who use these plastic sheets actually have the kind they need. Instead they have the bad kind. If the sheets you are using are soft and pliable, they are the bad kind. And if your coins have been in them for any length of time then every single coin needs to be removed and carefully treated with acetone to remove any PVC contamination. And then be properly stored.
BCW makes non-PVC sheets, you can order directly from their website or I'm sure most coin supply outlets or dealers have them. If you're unsure if your existing sheets contain PVC or not, do the sniff test, if it smells like a plastic shower curtain, it's likely made from PVC.
If they're made of PVC and you don't want to contaminate your coins in them, yes. Most of those Walking Liberties only look like G-VG condition, but if you want them preserved and inflict no more damage going forward, then get some proper storage for them.
I believe the name on the sheets are Cowens. I think the paper holders are Harco. Should I be worried about the sheets if the coins are in the paper/plastic holders, or are the holders what I should be worried about? Sorry I dont know the proper wording yet. Ill get there. Brent
Yes those are not my good collection. They are some of my extras. Are these type of holders in non PVC ok or is there something much better?
Darn it. Oh well, I guess I should get something better before I remove them, and start cleaning. What do you all recommend? Also will cleaner harm my coins in any way?
Is it the sheet I need to replace or is the paper/plastic holders? Or both? If both, why do I need to replace the plastic sheets if the coins are not in contact with them?
First of all do a little test. Take a few coins out of those sheets. Then bend and fold that portion of the sheet like you were folding a piece of paper, try and crease it. If the sheet folds, and then unfolds, the plastic contains PVC. If you tried that folding with an archival sheet, one with no PVC, the plastic would crack. Sorry, but the job ahead of you is going to be bigger than you think. Because not only do you have to replace the sheets, you have to replace all those 2x2s as well because they can also be contaminated with PVC residue. Read this to find out the proper procedure for removing PVC residue from the coins. http://www.cointalk.com/t193708/
stupid question maybe, i use the Hartberger sheets to place my 2x2's in them. if the inside of the 2x2 does not touch the Hartberger sheets (dont realy know if they contain PVC) then normaly it should be fine, no?
I will read that. Thank you for all of your help. I will test the sheets before I worry to much. Even being that the coins never touched the sheets will they still have pvc residue on them?
No. It is not direct contact with the PVC laden plastic that you have to worry about, even for the coins themselves. It is the gas that the PVC plasticizer puts off that does all of the damage. And because it is a gas, it gets into everything and deposits the PVC residue inside and on the cardboard 2x2's and on the coins.