Dear Fellow Enthusiasts, Thank you all for all of the informative posts regarding slabbed coins, grading companies, and thoughts/resources on learning to grade. I have decided I really like the look of the slab holders and the way they preserve a coin. I like the idea of slabbed coins, not necessarily because of the grading, but because of the preservation/conservation element, and ease of showing it to non-numismatics (children, family, etc...) without worrying about what they do with/to the coin. I have bought a sampling of the Coinworld holders, like the feel of them in my hand, and the idea that if I store them properly I will be on the path to preserving them (even if they are not surrently of great value - i.e. uncirculated modern US coinage, cheap proof sets, etc...). This is of course partly driven financially, as the idea of slabbing a coin for $1 or less seems much more appealing than paying the grading companies for their holders (espescially for low value coins which may not even be worth the $1 holder). After watching some of the videos by the grading companies and seeing the clips of them sealing the holders, I was wondering if anyone had tried sealing these or similar products, in effect 'Do-It-Yourself' slabbing. I do like the ability of opening them (i.e. to change the grade/descriptions on any inserts in them as I learn more). However, for some pieces I worry about the case opening if I drop them, or if a 'child' or 'adult child' gets a hold of them, or accidentally leaving fingerprint residue/dust behind if they are re-opened/messed with. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I have not seen this topic addressed in a seperate thread and think it could lead to some interesting discussion. Ideas: 1. superglue - sounds simple to me 2. controlled heating/melting of seams - sounds like a possible engineering catastrophe 3. others? Thanks, BilboBaggins
Superglue would probably be the best option if you really wanted to seal them. I think the coinworld slabs are too thin to melt together without disfiguring the slab. I would be worried about melted plastic getting on the coin. Personally, though, I like to be able to open them if necessary.
They fit together but it is a pretty loose fit and they are very easy to open. They definitely don't snap tightly shut.
I have to agree with coleguy, just the fumes from sealing it with superglue could adhere to and damage a coin. If you absolutely feel you must seal your "self slabs" I would either recommend you find some slabs that "snap lock" when closed or use a glue like "tacky craft glue" that drys clear but doesn't have the fumes like super or crazy glue that might damage the coin.
I would say that unless you just like the ability to put a label in there then air-tites would probably be easier, cheaper and less likely to pop open than the snap style self slabs. As for trying to permanently seal one of the snap style "self-slabs" I would definitely not use super glue due to the fumes. I would use something where I could control the application of heat with accuracy like a soldering iron or wood burner and melt/weld the seam around the edge. YMMV
There's a reason the TPG's use sonic sealing. You definately don't want any glues near you coins as they outgas and could effect the coins. Airtite brand holders are about as good as you can get for protection and they are pretty cheap in bulk. I buy them 100 at a time.
I would try to heat the edges up and melt them together. Try it on a coin with very low value first and test it out.
