OK, when I first started collecting coins I started out using those crappy blue whitman cardboard books like a lot of people did. I still have some of my collection housed in these types of books (nothing valuable), but I would like to do something inexpensive but safer with them. I was thinking about using cardboard 2x2s (sealed with staples) and placing them in plastic pages in a binder. But, a lot of those pages are listed as vinyl which worries me because of the presence of PVC. Are vinyl pages safe to use or do they emit a gas that will damage the coins housed in the 2x2s. Also, is this the best way to house a collection like this. I know the airtites and intercept shield holders are the best...but for inexpensive coins is this an OK way to house them. Also, will the 2x2 intercept shield holders fit in the same pages as the 2x2s? For example, if I wanted to put a set of Lincolns in 2x2s in a book...but I wanted the nicer coins in intercept shield holders, could those be mixed in the pages where needed?
LOL, I still have all my dad's stuff (V-Nickels, Lincolns 1909-1970s, IHC) in those folders. Still going strong after 50+ years... Take Care Ben
I second Bones remarks. For well circulated coins and especially coppers and nickels, those old Whitman folders do the trick. Remember, buy the coin and not the album!!!!!!
Speaking of coin albums... the old Harco Coinmasters....like a Dansco, but with clear pages and a clear slider that holds coins I have a pile of these but suspect they are vinyl and contain PVC..can anybody confirm this? I got them in another big collection buy, they are all empty, I must have 1/2 a dozen different albums.
But, I want to get away from the Whitman's so I can see both sides of the coin...I think 2x2 pages are the best way to do this as long as it can be done safely. Are the pages safe and if so, which one's are the best?
Jack, as far as i know, they are bad news. I think at some point, Harco started making albums that didn't contain PVC, but I don't know when and I don't know how you would determine that from your albums. No offense, but based on your posts, you can probably afford to just light a fire to them and maybe make some roasted marshmallows!!! Why take a chance?
Richie, You can go to any coin shop or coin show and buy the 2x2 pages. They're all safe now. And you're right - if you want to see both sides of the coin, the 2x2 pages are by far the cheapest way to do it.
