I think it’s silly to state that all coin folders are bad. Yes the Whitman folders don’t state that they are archival quality but the Littleton folders state right on the front cover that they are archival quality. These inexpensive folders are of the same materials as their more expensive slide cover types they make. Which are of the same high quality as Dansco albums. So Dansco albums aren’t any good either? What are people to do that collect low value raw coins? Usually most of us that collect low value raw coins have hundreds of coins unlike collectors that might only have dozens of high value coins in a collection. And most high value collectors only collect coins in slabs that then puts them in a different storage category! I think that with new materials these days the average collector is as safe with low cost folders as with higher end albums. Regardless if it’s a $5.00 Littleton album or a $35.00 Dansco with newer materials these days the coins are as safe as the average collector wants. I collect raw Lincoln cents as my active collection and for me the Littleton folders work great for the year range I have decided to collect. The range I’m in doesn’t contain any really valuable coins and the grade I collect in is achievable still by CRH so why should I put an under $1.00 collection in a $35.00 album not to mention a storage system that is $1.00 plus per coin? For the higher end of my collection I use 2x2’s and 3 ring binder pages to store and display my coins. I’m sure that Doug would poo poo that method also favoring coin capsules as being a preferred method. I only collect raw coins and even all my proofs are raw. But again I only actively collect Lincoln cents. So for me it’s not even an option to do anything different when it comes to storage and display options. Unfortunately for me I had my entire collection stolen about ten years ago so all my really valuable coins are gone but some day I might purchase the key coins in the series again and when I do most will be cracked out so they can be easily stored with the rest of the collection. Nothing is worse that having missing coins in order in a series when you are looking at it to enjoy. To make statements like the ones made so far alienates a lot of members on the site and I think that is not good in general. I bet more CT members collect using albums than we think. At the end of the day I say it’s an individuals hobby and they should collect as they like. We all appreciate the information but don’t appreciate being made to feel bad about our storage methods. Reed.
I'm going to disagree with what you are saying...because using traditional folders and albums is not the best storage method for coins. That's a fact. The little Whitman type folders have been beaten to death already so I'm not going to discuss them. Danscos are known to cause toning due to off gassing of the materials in them. Plus, the plastic covers that slide over the coins themselves can cause wear or otherwise impair the coins. Now...does that mean that binders should never, ever, ever, ever be used...no. I use them for some things because they are better for display purposes. But, that doesn't mean they aren't a risky way to store coins. Even the best albums out there come with risks. I'm a big believer in Airtites...and because of that I love Caps Albums. Each coin is stored safely in an airtite and placed in the album page. That way I can view my coins in an album but not have the same risks and storage issues common with other album types.
The OP has probably looked at this thread and said: "I'm Outta Here!" I hope not! @Granbeck- You have a lot to digest here, any thoughts?
I've used Whitman albums for over 40 years and never had a coin turn black. At time a coin or two falls out so I take a Kleenex and put it in the hole. Then add the coin. Tear off all the extra tissue and the coin stays in place and still, never a problem.
Just because it didn't happen to you, that doesn't mean it hasn't ever happened to anybody else. It merely means you got lucky. I used about 30 of them for 10 years, and every coin was ruined. And there have been millions of collectors over the years who experienced the same kind of thing I did. And yeah, there have been some just like you too - but no where near as many. Folks, anybody and everybody can store their coins any way they wish to do so. But they should at least be aware of the dangers, the downsides, to all the various ways there are. Because only then can they make an informed decision. And that's what I do, try to make people aware of what those dangers are for all the various storage methods. And I do that based on well known and long established facts, not opinion. Facts - all coins albums, except those made of archival materials - and there's very dang few of those - are bad for coins in several ways. The paper and cardboard has high concentrations of sulfur in it because it's manufactured that way. All paper and cardboard produces paper and cardboard dust, which can scratch/hairline coins and or cause spotting. The fancy and more expensive albums may have vinyl or leatherette outer covers - those covers release the infamous PVC residue that is well known for harming coins. Then you have the actual mechanics involved of putting the coins into the albums - you have to push them down into the hole with your fingers. That risks fingerprints getting on the coins and possible hairlines. And there's the plastic cover slides that some have which are known to scratch and or hairline coins, and or additional wear on the high points. Now if you know all of that, and you still want to use coin albums - then have at it. And that's just coin albums. All other storage methods have their own problems and or downsides. I've posted about them many times for many years. And yes, even the Air-Tite method that I suggest has its downside - expense. But with that method, you have taken the first step in protecting your coins to the best of your ability - that's the upside. And yes, there are other steps you have to follow as well for proper storage - but using a solid, inert coin holder, of one kind or another, is the first. And Air-Tites are the least expensive of all of them, with the most expensive ones being about 60 cents each and down from there. You can get the smallest ones for about 20-30 cents each. Are there cheaper ways to store coins ? ABSOLUTELY ! But each them has it's own problems and is harmful to your coins in one way or another, and usually in several ways. Blanket statements ? Yeah, maybe they are - but they are true blanket statements !
I'm not gone. Just busy with Christmas. LOL. I'll get this read today and get back with you.. I so appreciate all the help I can get.
Well, Christmas is bought, and I am back to answer you guys. I learned a lot from all your comments. I can tell that I am not pushing them in far enough. I never thought about the fact that they should stick out the back a little. What I really want is one like I have for my National Park Quarters which is a Whitman with the plastic guard, but have not found that Whitman makes one for the states. I'm not a big timer like most of you. I just want a collection that stays in the album. Thanks so very much for your help. I really enjoy the conversations. I posted pictures, but they wound up above.
Push them all the way in. It should lock into place. If you need, put a Kleenex under the coin if it falls out and tear off all of the extra. Glad to hear your shopping is done.
You may already know this.. I addition, try not pushing the coins in with you bare fingers. All our fingers have skin oil that can damage the surface of the coins over time. Use cotton gloves or place a clean cotton towel over the coin before pushing it into your folder.
