Yet Another Coin Display Thread (tm)

So, I know this topic has been done to death, but I'm getting back into collecting and would like some current opinions on storage and display methods.

Specifically, I plan on putting together a high-grade (targeting au55-58 and ms63-65), 20th-century type set (initially not to include gold, but, later on, who knows?), according to my rather idiosyncratic definition of "type set." Since several of these coins will necessarily be in the $250+ range, I expect to purchase many of them certified to bypass a lot of potential authenticity issues. Of course, I'll be buying the coin and not the plastic, but I like the extra bit of security the label inside the plastic provides regarding authenticity for these types of coins.

But, even the coolest collection loses a lot of its metaphorical luster if it can't be attractively displayed, IMO. My criteria are as follows:

1. The display must be safe for the coins and not cause additional toning beyond whatever patina they have when I acquire them.
2. It must attractively present the coins so both the obverse and reverse can be viewed. This could be accomplished by removing the coins from the display, provided they remain protected by, e.g. an Air-tite or slab.
3. It should not be a wall-frame. For multiple reasons, I'm not interested in hanging my coins on the wall of my apartment.
4. There should be a place to include some notes about the specific coin and the series it's from.
5. Ideally, I could hold the entire set in one display. However, my idea of the scope of the set probably precludes this in a prefab display.

Given my previously noted idiosyncratic definition of the type set, something like a pre-made Dansco, Whitman, or Intercept type-set album is just not going to do it. I'm also not a big fan of the Capital holders.

I've looked at the displays at http://www.jpscorner.com/coin-display.html and http://www.air-tites.com/coin_display_products.htm and it looks like some combination of either the wooden, velvet, or leatherette display cases will satisfy #2 and #3 (and presumably #1), but seems lacking with respect to #4. These display boxes also have options for holding slabs, which is somewhat appealing. (If I don't go the Air-tite/Cointain/Intercept route, the entire set will likely end up certified for uniformity.)

The other pre-fab option that looks good to me are the Eagle albums (either the slab albums or the 2x2 albums with Intercept holders).

Beyond that, I seem to be looking at custom work. Here, I can guarantee all of #2-5, but I'm worried about #1. What is necessary to ensure that a coin display is suitable to archival storage and display? Obviously, one should avoid materials that will outgas or contain acidic compounds that leach out, but beyond that, I'm lost. I notice that some of the aforementioned wooden display boxes are made of cherry wood, so I'm guessing that is safe?

Opinions, guidance, and pictures of your own coin displays are welcome!

Thanks

 

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It seems as though you have put quite a bit of thinking and time into the idea of the display and I like that a lot. My advice would be to concentrate on obtaining the right coins and, as you progress into the venture, fine tune how you might like the display to work. It is likely that the display parameters will change over time as your collection and your tastes change.

For me, and many others, I simply use high quality images and share them on my computer.

 

Thanks. I just don't see the point of a collection that can't be viewed. Coin collecting for me is infused with a heavy dose of history and art, and I think my collection should demonstrate at least some of those qualities. And when I pass them along to the next generation, I want my coins to be in the same condition they are when I got them.

I have a really good idea where I'd like my collection to go in the next couple of years. Besides my type set, I enjoy birth year world coins and certain tokens (predominantly merchant tokens from places I've lived in or near). I anticipate I'll probably end up spending a good bit of money on misc. storage and display supplies before I find what I really like. Luckily, my girlfriend approves of and encourages my collecting habit, provided our general financial objectives are met.

As for high-res photos, that's another thing on my list. I'm looking at a trinocular coin microscope similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SM-2T...m_sbs_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0WAN6NWEYSZKFVPXDD6A, and I'll be working on a general coin photography setup. I may get a microscope without a camera included and see if I can't just mount a decent digital camera on the third objective. That way, I'll have a microscope *and* a camera, rather than a microscope *with* a camera.

PS, any thoughts on microscopes, cameras, or photo setups would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I've used plenty of microscopes in my day, but never one for coin photography. This makes me completely unqualified to help in that niche. I have, however, seen folks make tremendous coin photos using a variety of set-ups. There is also a fantastic book on the subject written by Mark Goodman. It can often be found on Amazon or ebay.

For me and my business, I use a dSLR with a dedicated lens and copystand. This isn't ideal for everyone, but works for me and allows me to use the dSLR that I use for family photos as my coin camera, too.

 

@Tom B , is this the book?

http://www.amazon.com/Numismatic-Photography-2nd-Mark-Goodman/dp/193399004X

 

Yes. It is a fantastic book written by a friend.