Howdy Folks! I am a big fan of coin albums, using mostly Dansco, but also some Whitman, Intercept, and CAPS. However, I have run into a problem. I have acquired an almost complete set of the Silver Proof Statehood & Territories Quarters. I've tried them in a Dansco and Whitman, but they will not fit. It appears that the circumference of the coins is too big for the album holes without pushing extremely hard and bending the album pages. I have used CAPS (which I really like) for my ASE and Commemoratives. So, the capsule idea is appealing, but the album binders for CAPS are very large. Does anyone have a suggestion for storing them in an album-type system or other option that is labeled (capsule or otherwise) without having to do all the labeling myself? I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks!
Best I can tell is that they are just thicker because they are proofs. Several came out of the proof sets; others were in capsules or flips. I could take a razor blade and widen the holes a little more, but I would be concerned that if I did that, I might release some inert gas of some type that would quickly tone them. If my assumption is incorrect, somebody with chemical experience, please enlighten me. I would definitely take the time to do that if it wouldn't harm the coins.
The CAPS album pages come with a full page insert. I use the insert for basic data. All you need is the date and mint mark. That can be very generic since it is obvious as to what they are. Some of my pages are shown here. One of the major issues is finding an album that the pages will fit in. They hang out at the edges.
Here is a complete set of ATB Quarters in a 2 inch binder. The album contains P, D and S, as well as the complete set of Circulation Grade S Mint.
I had the same problem putting 2 Moonlight Mint 1958-D Lincolns in my album, so I took a round file to make the hole a little larger. I don't expect everyone to have a small round file handy.
@Inspector43 I tried that once and it tore up the hole, but I wouldn't want to file out that many holes.
It's got to be just a tiny difference, I wonder if you were to use a dowel or other round shaft and just tap around the perimeter of the hole if it would compress the fibers enough to accept the coin, without making a messy, rough edge.
I have one. I didn't think the gas issue was an issue since it is made with archival materials, but just wanted to check since I already have the albums.
I like the CAPS albums (the two I have), I was just worried about the size of the albums. They take up a bunch of room. Since I will only have two-three pages for the silver proofs, maybe it wouldn't be so bulky.
Are your coins already in Caps Holders? Did they come from the mint in Caps holders? The US Mint changed holders near the end of the series. I had a very difficult time fitting them to my album pages. I am going to find my post regarding this issue and link it here. You should see it before you decide.
Air-Tite vs. generic capsules | Coin Talk There are several good threads on the use of capsules. In this thread I explain my problem.
That's what I was thinking, compression rather than cutting or grinding. I still twitch at the notion of putting proofs unprotected into an album, but I understand that my fears may be overblown.
What about using a tapered ring gauge; slide it in the hole until you get it tight, then twist back and forth to gently compress the inside edges.