Hi all, looking at finally sorting out my collection. I'm curious as to what would be the best to store in- those plastic flips (not the pvc ones but the nicer quality ones) or those cardboard coin holders with the film in the middle, which you staple down. I can see pros and cons to both- with the coin flips it means I can take coins in and out and don't have to worry about the size, however it isn't as tidy (in my opinion) and I'd rather write directly onto the storage. The cardboard coin holders are neater and I can write information directly onto the storage but can't take them out and have to buy different sizes. What are the best options? Also, what brands for each do you reccomend. thanks.
For my average coins I rather like the flips. I can write information about the coin and slip it in one side of the flip. And if I feel the need to touch the coin (I often need this stimuli) I can do that too. And super easy to store as well.
I just bought a brown colored box like the red one pictured here. It was advertised as being color coded for half-dollars. Well, the standard cardboard flip, also as pictured here, is too large to fit into this box; ONLY smaller vinyl flips will go into it and I suspect that's because they are more flexible. I also recently made the mistake of buying BCW slabs, but found out that the reason they are cheaper is that they are not big enough for most slab storage boxes. That meant buying another style of storage box because I actually liked this slightly smaller size.
I tried most over the years and settled for flips and blank return mail lables to record attributions. You can also stick the typed lable on 1/11/16 square card and insert it in the opposite pocket from the coin. Works for me.
This is what I do. PVC free plastic flips. I have two sides of the paper insert to write on, so easier than writing along the edges of cardboard 2x2's, and I have access to the coin to weigh, examine edge, etc. If a coin is very valuable and you are worried about it falling out, you can staple it shut by stapling through the top, sealing it. This is far enough away that is can always be removed with no chance of damage to the coin.
I utilize the cardboard 2X2's since you can always open them up after stapling, and you have areas to write in any info. Also, I store them in "intercept" boxes to give them plenty of protection from the environment. It also helps that I live in a warm/hot dry climate in southern Nevada. And I don't smoke!
For modern US or foreign coins, I use airtite. For ancient coins, I use 2x2 flips, since ancients come with all different sizes and thickness. Quite a pain to stock a full line of airtite sizes. I can also write notes on 2x2.
When I get a coin in a stapled cardboard flip, I use a wood toothpick to pierce the Mylar film, remove coin and put it into a double pocket 2x2 flip. I use a paper insert in one of the pockets with a description. I don't like staples anywhere near my coins
More people should read this. NEVER try to take out staples to remove coins from 2x2s. You WILL have an accident someday and seriously scratch a coin. I do the same, but use whatever non metallic is around to pierce the plastic to remove the coin without touching a staple.
I keep a little toothpick dispenser on my desk for just taking coins out of cardboard flips. Wood toothpicks are safe, sharp and quick to cut through the Mylar film.