The best way to store coins

OK...I know this is like my umpteenth open-ended question, so forgive me in advance (I'm a law student...*ducks*...it's in my nature to ask lots of questions)

For someone starting out in the hobby and who might start by collecting Jefferson nickels or Roosevelt dimes, what is the best way to store them? Assume, for instance, that I only wanted to collect uncirculated coins.

Should I be using those blue folders I had as a kid? The coins seem so exposed in those things. Should they be stored in these mylar things instead and stored in albums?

Again, thanks for the discussion in advance.

-Matt

 

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The best rule is to keep them away from moisture and PVC. Use inert holders/flips. Get some dessicant (sp) packets to leave with or near your coins. This will keep them dry and moisture free.
ASK your local dealer for safe or inert holders, or find them online or at a show.
Nick

 

Don't worry about it. We can choose to answer you or not.
We enjoy sharing our hobby, and answering questions is a great way for us to share.

My main collecting interest has always been uncirculated Jefferson nickels. If you choose to take on the task of putting together a set, I'm sure you will find the experience very rewarding indeed.
If that is a project you would be interested in, I would strongly recommend that you study this website carefully...

LINK #1

I store my uncirculated nickels in several different ways.
One of my favorites is the Dansco album, similar to this one...

LINK #2

I like them because they aren't overly expensive, and are a very professional looking display. They also allow for viewing both sides of your coins. One word of advice though; be sure to push your coins all the way down into their holes, and then only slide the top window when necessary. This will prevent the Mylar window from rubbing the surfaces of your coins.

Another way I store my coins are in 2x2's like these...

LINK #3

...which I then put into 20 pocket pages, like these...

LINK #4

...which I then put into 3 ring binders, like these...

LINK #5

I only use those for circulated sets.

Keep in mind that neither of these methods is preferred for long term storage, but they are relatively inexpensive and if you store them in a low humidity environment, they can stay that way for quite a long time.
Holders like AirTites, Kointains and Snaplocks are probably better, but you can be prepared to pay more for them.

You're welcome, and remember; there are many good ways to store and display your collections. I have only mentioned a couple of my personal favorites.

Good luck.

~Jody~

 

I also use 2x2s and 20 pocket pages, but I keep them in 1/2"-wide notebooks that have a clear plastic cover into which I can slip pages with descriptive information about what's in the binder, and a title on the spine. I also make backing pages for each pocket page, with information about the coins directly behind each pocket.

 

Nothing beats a mahogany coin cabinet with felt lined drawers. I do love my cabinet.

 

We British may be a little conservative, but we like our traditional methods.

I've had less problem with this method than i ever had with albums and what not.

But when you collect sterling silver as the most base metal coin in your collection and you're shifting to gold the issue of oils and resins is less of an issue, than it would be for say copper.

As far as i am aware mahogany cabinets are still the mainstream amongst the elite collectors in the UK, i.e those with expensive coins that justifies a whole piece of furniture for them.

The British museum still uses cabinets too as far as i can recall, cos the guy i bought mine from was making them a new storage cabinet and display case.

 

Well they did always say i'd make a good Victorian... travel back in time to the 1850s?

Nah maybe i'd be a better Georgian? 1820s now there was a decade!

 

Unfortunately, my ex-wife got my nice coin cabinet in the our divorce years ago. Since it was acquired while we were married, she got it, but at least I was able to keep my coins that were acquired BEFORE we were married (wriping my brow). She tried to go after them, but at least I proved my grandfather started me off with coins I still have today. Let's see...I got my coins, a pot and pan, a place setting and a floor mattress...I guess that was fair.

Sorry sylvester...just thinking about how much I lost in my divorce including my coin cabinet just makes me...where is that punching bag?

Back to the issue. I like 2x2's stored in sheets in 3 rings binders. I use Avery labels to record the date, mint and mintage numbers. I used to add the grade, but too many times, people would say, "Nice coin...but it is more of a MS62 versus MS63." That is why I DON'T describe the grade anymore. I leave it open for discussion.

Also, I like to use Intercept Shield 2x2's for the good stuff. If you want to keep your coins from discoloration or unwanted toning, nothing beats this stuff compared to anything else out there. Eagle holders sell sheets that hold the Intercept Shields and they work nicely.

Also, low humidity, PVC-free, inert materials are important as discussed.

Good luck!

 

mahogany Cabinet

Wher in the US can you find such a fine cabinet?
I'm a pretty handy woodworker does anyone have any plans??

 

I would assume if my coins are stored in airtite holders that the wood should not affect them ??

 

As true as you probably are, my love of mahogany and mahogany furniture out weights my love of coins, so cabinet comes first my friend.

I just wish i could have all my furniture in mahogany...

 

Truly, you are a class act, my friend.

Is this mahogany cabinet also an antique? I love antique furniture. There's as much history in furniture as there is in coins!

 

Too true!

I love old things in general, 17th/18th and early 19th century are my buzz for most things, except coins.

With coins i'm more in the 10th-18th century time frame.

 

storage

About storage, since I just got back into collecting I think I am going to go with 2x2 binder pages for my Barbers. Does anyone use Dansco or Whitman albums anymore, I don't really like them as it's not practical to remove the coins. As for cabinets I think it was in Coin World last week an insert with aluminum cabinets, look great but the alum. is kinda tacky, if they were wood I would grab one.

Tony

 

You have right ! nothing is better than a coin cabinet or coin tray.

 

So it's not just us in England then!

At last!!

The Americans were making us feel like a dying breed, but us Europeans might just keep this age old method alive...

 

Hi, friend, visit my site and you will find lot of ideas how to create a fantastic cabinet or coin case, or coin tray, or coin stands etc.. and pls let me know what do you think about it ..