So, what is your preference for world coin collections that can get a bit unwieldy? I have a lot of "junk" coins that are more about having coins from different countries than "quality"/high value, so there are a lot of coins. I also have some higher value coins but fewer of those. I was initially thinking 2x2s in pages in binders but I'm wondering with lots of coins if that's unrealistic and those long 2x2 boxes are more space saving. Do you use a system of one or the other, a combo of both, and what are the benefits you see? Thank you!
I'm sure someone is going to come right after me and say the exact opposite, but I'm pages all the way. I hate coins in boxes. How do you look at them? Pages in an album is right there. Just turn the page. In boxes you have to take them out and flip through them one by one. It probably takes up less room but that's the only advantage I can see to that system.
I have a lot of "it is a mediocre coin, but a keeper" that I keep in boxes. And, I have my great coins in pages. I don't really want to look at the mediocre coins very often.
If your coins are worth enough to you that you secure them in a safe deposit box, or want to, then I suggest boxes instead of pages. Because of how densely the boxes pack into the same space, you can spend less on a smaller box. Also, you don't know how harmful outgassing from those plastic pages can be to your coins.
That's me. 2x2 envelopes in boxes. I find with albums I'm forever moving them all along to fit a new acquisition in - there's no way I can leave gaps in anticipation. The envelopes, rather than flips, can be reused time and again if written on in pencil, and a new purchase just slips into the box where I want it. If I want a quick look at the coin I go to my photo, otherwise I can find it easily enough.
I just throw them in cloth bags. I like it that way. I’ve seen every one of them. And every now and then, I get a reason, and look at them, again. From better to worser, lol, pages, boxes, bags, in that order, generally.
As I've said before, I use 1 1/2 X 1 1/2's rather than 2X2's. You get 30 to a page rather than 20. I always leave one of the 5-space lines open for adding new coins as the come in when in the general subject matter on the page is similar. I'm for albums, not boxes.
The only thing worse than envelopes to me is when people put coins in those long, narrow plastic sleeves that they fold up. I've spent way too much time trying to shake those things out of there. You can't see what's in the envelope at all.
There are archival-quality pages that you can use that don't off-gas harmful stuff. Use mylar materials, not PVC. Anyway, of storage of low to mid-range value coins in large quantities, I have no problem using pages. For lower-quality coins, boxes are fine. For higher-value coins, or for a "showcase collection," perhaps CAPS albums (airtite albums) or those homemade blank Dansco binders with double pages to accommodate airtites, the kind that I assembled for my S. Korea year sets, would work best?
I'll add this. Think of how you want to see your collection organized 20 to 40 years from now. Create a way/system that makes it easy to find a coin as the collection grows.
I always use pages if they're in a 2x2 - for the rest of my 'junk' coins I bag them by country and put them in boxes.
I prefer albums and folders for countries that have them. If not I use boxes. Pages take too much space.
Most of my world coins are larger, I really like using 2.5x2.5 flips. They let me add a lot more information to each. I like to add KM#, metal information, weight, mintages etc. I've gone back and forth between boxes and pages and I'm currently using a box. I really want mine to end up in albums so I'm currently researching laser cutters and materials. Not sure if I'll pull the trigger but I'm learning.
If you're looking into "laser cutters," then you are likely looking at starting your own company to compete with the other album manufacturers! If you would be willing to put in the extra investment of placing your coins into coin capsules, may I suggest taking a look into CAPS Coin Albums (sold at valleycoin.com)? You can make customized albums with the kind of text for the labels you are looking for with this product. https://www.capsalbums.com/complete-albums I was once in your spot. The solution I came up with (this was before CAPS Albums came about) was to make some Airtite albums using blank Dansco-brand pages and binders. I show them in this update video, and the description to this video gives you directions on how to make them. Just FYI, in case capsules are an option you'd consider.
I have seen your custom Korean albums and they are wonderful! I'm still bouncing all over the place with my ideas. My LCS wants me to do Library of Coins style albums which is interesting. Simple, long lasting design and wouldn't require more expensive lasers (I was looking into acrylic too). Most of the supplies I can get from conservation bookbinding sellers to ensure acid free etc. I would be doing mostly foreign albums which is where my frustration is with current manufacturers. There's a lot of great options out there for US albums.
