My first Collecting supply list

I'm preparing to place my first order for collecting supplies and I would like some input prior to doing so. I'm on a limited budget, so I have to make it count.
First off, has anyone ever used JP's, and is the site safe? Do they have good products?
Next, is my list:

1. 100 ct. 2"x2" cardboard holders--Cent
2. 25 ct. " "--Nickel
3. " "--Dime
4. " "--Quarter
5. " "--Small Dollar
6. " "--Silver Dollar
7. " "--Half Dollar
8. " " 3-Hole --Cent
9. 2 Air-Tite A19mm DF JP's Pack
10. 1 " " A21.3mm " "
11. 2 " " A24.3mm " "
12. 2 Box 2x2 holder Tetra Double row (holds 50 2x2"s)
13. 1 State Quarter map (Because if I'm going through them anyway, I might as well throw one together)
14. B & L Folding Magnifier Triple-Lens 2"-5" Focal Dist. 5x-20x magnification

Well, there it is. Let me know what experience has told you....

 

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I used JP's Corner for many, many years when Jerry owned it, but I haven't had the occasion recently to use them under the new owner. It's a good company and they stand behind their products.

While I don't particularly care for the cardboard 2x2's, I strongly recommend that you purchase a flat-cinch stapler because the tips of the staples when using a standard stapler can damage other coins. You can get a flat-cinch stapler for about $10 at Office Depot or Office Max online if you don't have one near you. They use standard staples.

Chris

 

Dont forget books! If you are coin roll hunting, I suggest the cherry pickers guides if you dont already have them. Also a redbook. Dont take the prices too literally but read the info it has to offer.

Learn the minting process as well! Too many newbies fail to research how coins are made. Knowledge is your number 1 tool.

Also look up Wizard Coin Supply. They have decent prices and quick shipping. I have been very pleased with them.

Good Luck

 

Thank you! On the cardboard holders, I wanted something that would protect, but still be economical. Any suggestions?

 

I do not recall hearing a bad word on the Internet about JP's, but as Evan8 mentions Wizard is worth a look for total pricing. They're high on shipping but combine, so that larger orders are very competitive pricewise.

Me, I'm in agreement with Chris regarding the flips; we both prefer the clear plastic SaFlip design. For me - liable to want to snag any one of my coins for photography purposes at any given moment - a folding flip which isn't permanently sealed is a far better method. They seal around the coin at least as well as cardboard flips, even if they're too large - I use the same size Saflip (2") for everything I collect from Lincolns to Morgans. They are, admittedly, considerably more expensive than cardboard 2x2's, but offer the advantage of a second pocket to insert a 2x2 card with as much data as you could think of for any given coin. They're also heat-sealable if you wish, don't need the extra cost, risk and effort of stapling, and are completely inert to the coins which they protect.

 

Thank you very much! I'll check that out! I will definitely do some research on the minting process too. I have an understanding of die presses,having worked with them. I'm sure the minting process is a whole different ball game, but it helps to understand some of the processes. And of course, Redbook!

 

When you want to stay within a budget, the cardboard holders are the best alternative for you. Stick with them, but be sure to get a flat-cinch stapler.

Just out of curiosity, why are you getting those AirTites? What will you store them in?

Chris

 

Cool! Thanks! I think I may have to look into some flips! I didn't know the cardboard ones were supposed to be stapled shut! That'll never due! I was a little apprehensive about posting this because I didn't want to be a pain, but I'm glad I did! I'm always open to suggestions!

 

You seem to like writing, so add a notebook/diary to use as you gain knowledge and experience. It allows you to compare your coins years later or to draw or record errors. Some write their imagined stories of a coin passage through the lives of humans. I always put a number on the coin holder also ~ (date, serial number), and record in a book its cost if above a dollar, so it could be used decades down the line for exceutors. Most of all enjoy it. Don't let grumpies spoil it, they are just jealous

 

The only thing is with the cardboard, I don't want to not be able to get to my coins if I need to. I didn't know they were supposed to be stapled shut. The air tites are for the wonderful specimens I will be finding, of course! I have to have something good to put them in! Are they not needed?
And I'm curious what you think about my selection in magnification.

 

Redbook is a (no offense intended!) women's magazine. The Red Book is just a simpler way of saying "A Guide Book of United States Coins".

Since you're on a budget, you really don't need the "Cherrypickers Guide", at least for the time being. It is a two-volume set, and it covers only a very, very small portion of the varieties. There are numerous online sites that list a much broader selection of errors and varieties.

Chris

 

Like Dave said, you can use the SaFlips for your nicer specimens. They are sort of like a pair of saddlebags - one side for the coin and the other side for the insert card. They come 50 to a package, and if you want, you can get them in a red 2x2 storage box with the insert cards included. JP's carries them.

To me, this is more cost-effective for you than buying the AirTites.

Chris

 

You're absolutely right! Right now the only way I have of knowing when I have found something is from posts! I'll do that! Right now I have a little journal type book I've compiled coins, and of course, known errors in. But I haven't been recording my discoveries....and lessons.

 

Hehehe! Thanks!

 

I like it. The loupe I use is a 5x+7x B&L, and frankly there are moments when I wish I had a little more magnification. That said, I rarely use anything but the 5x side; it's just that when I do I'd prefer more than 12x.

 

Okay! Flips it is! Gotta do some revisions ...and a little more research....

 

That's a great idea and excellent suggestion, Jim. Seriously.

 

Price them first; 100 SaFlips with inserts will cost you $18.

 

Once you have the flips, it'll be easy to figure out how to staple them shut. For starters though... once ready to staple, is the pivot is at 12 o'clock, simply place one at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, or whatever you prefer that will still hold the coin securely.

As for glass, I have an Eschenbach 3x6x9x (one 3x lens, and one 6x lens that together make 9x) that is excellent but costly. While I cannot stress how important good glass can be (your eyes will thank you, trust me), magnification depends on your needs and interests. If only for general grading, 3x-5x will suffice, but if you're interested in varieties or the like, you may want something a little stronger like 10x. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the mentioned model and cannot comment directly on it. From the outside looking in though, I see no reason it wouldnt be fine.

 

I'm really interested in errors. The one I think I'm going to get has 3 lenses. It says you can achieve seven different magnifications with it.