I searched this forum for "air-tite" and found numerous references to the famous holders that I use almost exclusively. I've bought them for a few decades now and never worried about them because absolutely no one seems worried about them. I keep the roundest moderns, the most exemplary demonstrations of the concept of pi, in them, whether they have value or not, and the most ragged of medievals and ancients in them. I probably have coins in air-tites that are worth less than the air-tites themselves. I have never had a problem with them, I realize that they are not actually air tight, or at least not hermetically sealed, and enjoy the protection these hard plastic holders seem to offer. Holding a coin encased in an air-tite also feels a little like the sensation of holding an actual coin, apart from the texture, of course. I even like the mild sound of flatulence that they make when the two halves get squashed together. I'm working on some of my personal problems. So why am I bothering typing this out? Is this a paean to air-tites? Well, sort of, but I really want to ask if anyone here has ever had a problem with these holders or found circumstances in which they are not ideal? I have heard that years ago, possibly decades ago, the foam inside was not necessarily inert, but that was apparently solved a long time ago. One dealer told me that he didn't like how some coins "flop and shake" around in them, which I have also experienced. But, apart from that, I haven't heard anything to make me deviate from my air-tite commitment. Does anyone have any other opinions? Just a curious coin encaser...
I also use airtites for everything. Sometimes the top cracks though. The only other thing I have found is not to use the albums. The airtite holders are either too large or too small for the openings.
They are as acceptable as mylar flips (all mylar, not cardboard type)if you don't mind spending about 5x or more per coin. Like buying a DeBeer branded diamond at a 40% + premium over the same generic diamond. Some people always want what they think is "The" brand so they can tell their friends.
I love them. You can handle your coins like, well, coins with them and not worry about doing any damage, and view them at your leisure. They feel like poker chips.
I love them too. I can actually show a coin to someone else, even a novice or kid, without fear of them dropping it and putting a ding in it. Staple scratches are another fear I don't have anymore.
I use airtites with the black ring inserts. The inserts are made out of an inert material called Volara. I guess we'll find out in the coming years just how inert and harmless to coins they really are.
