Coin Storage Question

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by SportsDen, Nov 17, 2017.

  1. SportsDen

    SportsDen Member

    I just acquired an original 1947 US Mint set (first year issued), which includes a double set of coins from each of the three mints, and I'm looking for some advice on the best (safest) way to store them. The coins come in three cardboard set holders with a paper cover flap that lays over the coins in each set (see photo). The coins also lay against the paper backing -- there are no openings on the bottom side of the holders, which is why the mint issued the double sets, so the viewers could see both sides of the coins.

    Is it advisable to store the sets in these original holders, or is it better to remove the coins and store them separate from the paper? There is obviously some risk in damaging the holders when removing the coins. I'd rather keep the coins in the holders as issued, but I'm concerned about the effect on the coins long term.

    Thanks for any help with this.

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  3. BigTee44

    BigTee44 Well-Known Member

    Keep them as is. Some of those board produce some beautiful colors on the coins
     
  4. V. Kurt Bellman

    V. Kurt Bellman Yes, I'm blunt! Get over your "feeeeelings".

    People pay large premiums for "double mint set" toning. The toning is your friend. Don't do anything to either accelerate or retard the toning. The top experts WILL know.
     
  5. SportsDen

    SportsDen Member

    Thank you!
    Thank you!
     
  6. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    At one time I had collected original Mint and Proof Sets for decades. I had them all except for that one that you are showing a picture of, and the '36-'41 Proof sets.

    For storage I always kept them in the original holders as that was the entire point of collecting them to begin with. But - I did a couple of things so as to do my best to keep them as they were. For one thing I kept them in sealed containers (Tupperware) and kept rechargeable silica gel packs in the containers with them. This does two things for you - 1 it keeps the harmful effects of the cardboard and paper from affecting your other coins, and 2 it keeps the humidity around the coins as low as possible. This is necessary because the harmful effects of the cardboard and paper are greatly minimized by the lack of moisture. The harmful effects are not completely stopped, but it is kept as low as you can get it.

    Do those things and the coins will remain largely as they are for your lifetime. Yes, there will be some changes but they will be minimal.

    As for colors developing beyond what is already there - not likely. As a general rule the colorful toning begins and occurs early in the life of the coins, not in later years as many seem to think.
     
  7. SportsDen

    SportsDen Member

    I know I typed a response just after you posted, but somehow it apparently didn't post. Anyhow, thanks for your comments and advice, GD; I have done as you suggested. Good advice from all, for which I'm appreciative. This forum is a great resource.
     
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