protecting slabs

I've had coins with no corrosion spots develope big black spots in less than 5 years in cardboard 2X2s , they were in my banks safety deposit box , sure it's partly my fault for not checking them more often . Intercept Shield 2X2s cost about $1 for any unc. or AU coin worth more than $50 to me the peace of mind of preserving the coins to the best of my ability for my heirs and future generations is well worth it . For those that say it's a losing battle maybe it is , but we can sure slow it down to near zero for a generation or two and maybe longer so someone in the 22 century can enjoy these coins in near the same condition .
rzage:smileencil::kewl:

 

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I don't think it's a losing battle. IS recommends replacing their holders every 10-15 years for maximum protection. If you get new ones, it should be like starting over again from scratch. They really aren't that expensive compared to the cost of coins. And they're not receiving any circulation wear. If kept in a dehumidified area, nothing should happen to them for generations.

With so many other holders, you don't even know if the things are inert. At least you know these holders can't do more harm than good, and actually go above and beyond normal holders.

Coins that have been on the bottom of the ocean for years develop a hard coating on them that protects them until it's professionally removed. The depths of the ocean actually protects them better than if they were laying on the ground somewhere.

 

I know this thread is a little old but I wanted to add this -


stainless,

I found a cheap and easy solution to protect slabs from scratches. I use these 3 x 4 inch poly bags. They're the perfect size for slabs.

100 pack 3 x 4 Poly bags

The bags do not contain PVC or plasticizers. Polyethylene, which the poly bags are made of, is inert and is considered an archival material.

I cut off the ziplock part so I'm left with an open ended bag. It's now very easy to slid the slabs in and out. And you can still see what the coin is while still in the bag.

And now your slabs are protected from scratches however you store them.


To address some of the previous posts -
This is not some illogical obsessive compulsion of putting a holder in a holder in a holder in a holder. I just want to protect my slabs from getting scratches. If you've ever had a scratch or scratches over the coin's viewing area of the slab then maybe you know what I mean. Scratches over the coin may not bother some, but it does me. And most important, scratches get in the way of taking clear pictures.

I've had good luck using PlastX to remove scratches but it doesn't remove them all. It's best to just prevent getting them in the first place.

 

Great solution , currently I use Intercept Shield slab holders , but really only need them for copper or coins I don't want to tone anymore , kudos for a cheaper alternative .
rzage:smile

 

With all this obvious problems with scratches, it makes you wonder what happens to coins without slabs.

Ruben

 

In the early days of collecting they didn't think anything of cleaning coins
most collected circulated examples , next came the 2X2 or envelopes . the 2X2s of today with reasonal care keep coin scratch free , todays hard holders are the best .
rzage:smile

 

I myself have been thinking of a concrete slab to encase the sleeves that protect the plastic slabs the protect the coins. Then place those concrete slabs in a hugh vault, place in a coffin, rent a grave plot, bury the coffin. :goofer:

 

Back in 1959 I made a pen holder out of liquid plastic. As it cured I placed 3 new dimes and 6 new pennies (cents you know) inside. Then placed 3 pen tops to hold the pens. This is still sitting on my desk today. No tarnishing, no toning, no corroding, just 9 coins still looking new.
In other words if your really worried about preserving your coins, just cover them in liquid plastic.
The only thing is to remember that all plastics are made from petroleum products so using my method wastes what could be burned in my cars.

 

Yeah,, but for example I have a Mercury MS 66 slab that is PSCG and scratched up. It sucks to look at the coin through it.

Ruben

 

Put it in Intercept Shield 2X2 holders or airtights , or you can pay the $5 to have them reslabbed .
rzage

 

Its not that easy to be re slabbed by PSCG. You have to be a member or go through a member and the closest member was in Scarsdale. I could have sent it back to Heritage, and I was more than a little upset with them that they didn't have it re slabbed before the auction. But I didn't really want to let go of it and send it to Texas.

I don't know.

Ruben

 

Aren't there any dealers in NYC who will submit it for you ?
rzage

 

nope. Scarsdale. The dealers in NYC and this is fustrating because it wasn't always like this, are all upscale joints. You know them. Stacks et al.

The mom and pop hobby shops, even comic books, are few and far between these days.

(as are kosher deli's, real coffee shops, Carvel Ice Cream stores)


Ruben

 

Let's say someone protects the slab with a little zip loc.

It's easy to replace the zip loc, hard to replace the slab.

There is a driving force to protect the holder... the fact that a scratched holder detracts from enjoying the coin PLUS it's hard to replace a slab.

There is no driving force to protecting the little zip loc which protects the slab, so there's no reason to think anyone would go any farther than that... the zip loc. It's not a "slippery slope".

I'm with ya on both counts. I think slabs do a great job protecting coins.

But a scratched slab can really detract from enjoying the coin. This is particularly true with very high grade coins, which some folks feel are the most beautiful. It's really true with proofs.

Scratched slabs make it difficult to evaluate photos of coins... hard to say where the damage is.

I have some noce coins which could benefit from a new slab, but it's a pain, so I haven't bothered.

It doesn't seem so unreasonable to protect the slab. My storage protects 'em, so I don't worry too much.

Also, slabs have a raised rim, which protects the fields to some degree... just like the rim of a coin.

 

I know what you mean , the same in Chicago , they have staffs of 7or 8 and a ritzy location which they have to pay for which then gets passed to us , the smaller places are in thr burbs .
rzage

 

But you do have Halen Berk at least.

Ruben

 

perhaps they can start providing upscale customer service then or at least make an effort. sigh talk to to PCGS when they are there in jan for the NY show i dont think they would want you to be a member and if i am around i will submit it for you but thats a big IF

 

Harlen Berks was the shop I was talking about , lots of staff , decent inventory , exspensive large location library , all has to be paid for .
rzage

 

When is there a show in NY?

Ruben