Newbie Questions

Hello, all,

I'm just getting started in coin collecting after a decades-long hiatus, and I have a couple of questions. First, are there any specific do's or don'ts with respect to storage of mylar-enclosed original mint sets or other coins in containers (proof sets, slabs, etc.)? I'm planning to begin purchasing original mint sets of uncirculated coins with an eye to eventually breaking them up and encapsulating, in some form, the highest-grade coins. I was thinking that I would buy a nice plastic box in which to store the coins, but now I'm wondering whether the inevitable outgassing from the plastic might be harmful to the coins, even in their mylar packaging. Of course, I would keep the box in a cool, dry environment.

My other question: Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the purchase of original mint sets, beginning with, say, 1959? I'm assuming that the coins in the sets will vary in condition, so I'm planning to visit coin shops and coin shows with an eye to purchasing only the sets with the very best coins. I'm wondering whether I'll be able to find mint sets with really nice coins. It seems to me that the better mint sets may already be long-gone from the marketplace.

Thank you.

Bill Green

 

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Intercept Shield sells all sorts of holders and boxes with technology inveted by Lucent Ind. that are supposed to nuetralize the toxic gasses , I swear by them as do many others , I'll post a link where you can check them out in this thread as soon as I can .
rzage

 

Try here http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/products/intercept-shield-box/
rzage

 

Probably most of the Cameo Proofs have been picked through , but I'm sure you can pick up some problem free coins still in their gov. packing .
rzage

 

I just placed my order. Thank you, rzage!!!

Bill

 

hello all

 

BTW , welcome to CT , william123 & joeytolong .
rzage

 

I welcome any and all advice regarding the collecting of modern coins, esp. Lincoln cents since 1956 and Kennedy half-dollars since 1964. I'm thinking that I'd like to collect high-grade, spot-free, problem-free uncirculated coins in their "raw" state and possibly certified Kennedy proofs. I hope I can find such coins.

Thank you.

Bill

 

The first advice most will give is to get the ANA Grading Standards book and read it through and learn to grade the coins you want to collect , Since you like Lincolns and Kennedys , study them . There are plenty of raw coins in the years you are looking for and are relatively unexspensive . Always buy the best coin you can afford but before buying look at as many different coins you can . Good luck .
rzage

 

Great advice from Rzage guys....

 

Oh....and welcome to the forum.

 

I will remember that. (Keep the advice coming, guys! I need it.)

I am very "particular" about what I collect and will try to be careful. Even though these are not expensive coins individually, I still want the best I can find, ones with great eye appeal. If I ever begin a collection of early Lincoln cents (a big temptation), I will probably look for AU coins with great eye appeal and few or no spots. Actually, the reason I don't begin a collection of early Lincoln cents right away is because I'm afraid that I won't be able to find coins without those awful carbon spots.

Are there any coin albums that don't damage the coins? I'm thinking I'll use Whitman snap-tite coin holders for raw coins.

Bill

 

There're plenty of good albums out there today , like Intercept Shield , Dansco are probobly the best and most popular , I'd wait for some more people to post to hear some more opinions . Go here to look at some of the better ones .
http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/products/coin-albums/
rzage

 

I don't think I'd want an album that has plastic sliders. Those those sliders scratch the coins, don't they?

Could one put the coin in an Air-tite holder and then put the coin in the album? Could one do
that?

What is the safest, yet still economical, way to store and protect coins? Air-tite holder? With or without ring? How about the Whitman snap-tite holders? Other? Coin World slabs? I'm open to suggestions. )

Bill

 

there are also airtite albums:

http://www.brent-krueger.com/airtite3.html



stainless

 

Depends on the coin show as to what is available in proof and uncirc sets. At one coin show I attend there is a dealer that has a table full of nothing but those and from just about any year you could imagine. Not sure what he charges since I already have way to many of those.
As to storing Proof and Uncirc sets. I get some every year and just put them in large cardboard boxes. Of course in my house a dehumidifier is going all year long so the humidity in my house is minimal therefore I have no problem with coins tarnishing, toning, corroding, etc.
I also have well over 100 Whitman Classic Albums and no problems with them at all.
Using coin storing items is like asking people which car is best, which ice creame taste better, who should I marry, what kind of job should I look for. Everyone has different taste and opinions.
I would suggest as long as your just getting started to constantly tell yourself that this is a hobby and is supposed to be fun. Worrying about how to store a coin properly could well end up as ulcers. Just enjoy the hobby.

 

Good advice, Carl. Thank you! I'm going to take it slow and figure out over time what kind of coin holders I prefer. I just wanted to solicit advice early on in case I was overlooking something obvious. I wouldn't want to spend serious money on coins just to realize later that I did something stupid that I could have avoided. I'm reading as much online as I can, and I have a couple of good books to read.

Bill

 

Looks like you just gave yourself the best advise. I've been coin collecting for well over 60 years and starting to find out how little I know.

 

I'd go with the Intercept Shield 2X2s for your best coins , they're the best bar none , Then you can store them in the IS boxes for added protection or any boxes for 2X2s .
rzage:thumb:

 

Can you describe the Intercept Shield 2x2 holder? Is it hard plastic?

Bill