I just bought my first silver liberty today. My dealer sold me a round airtite that had a rubber gasket that fit snuggly (sp) around the coin. question is, is this the norm for airtites? Is their a different way for these to be stored? Any info and advice is much appreciated. JD
Air-Tites come in two flavors: ring-type and direct-fit. The direct-fits are only available for a comparatively limited number of coin diameters, but this is increasing. The ring-types are available for a larger number of coin diameters. You can see both here at Mitchell's: Air-Tites at Mitchell's
The type of airtite you have is the best in my opinion. I'm not convinced that the direct fit style is good for the coin. Airtites are a very good way to store coins.
What is your thinking as to why you dont think a direct-fit is good for the coin? I ask because I just bought some direct-fits for some silver coins. Do you think I would be better off returning them and getting rings? Thanks
FPP7777, I have both types and I would use the direct fits if you already have them. I just get a bit nervous about the way they contact the rim area, so I no longer buy direct fit. But overall I think all airtites are excellect, I just think the ring type are slightly safer to use, particularly for a klutz like me.
I agree with you on this. Where else could we get a little friendly debate on the types of airtites. thank you all for the great information. I went to the airtite web, didn't see the one I had, so i emailed them. JD
Some air-tites aren't really Air-Tites. The holders that the Mint packages the Silver Eagles in are not Air-Tites, near as I can tell. The outside diameter doesn't match to the standard Air-Tite O.D.s, and the two halves fit together differently.
Personally I like the direct fits better because I like to be able to see the edge of the coin. The Air-Tite does this better than most coin holders IMHO. Most rim contacts are not very abrasive because usually the coin doesn't move if you snap the Air-Tite down well. But, yeah, love those Air-tites (AND CoinTalk!)
Whichever you choose, is really a matter of personal preference. I tend to like the ring-type simply for aesthetics. I think it's more pleasing to the eye. Now if the coin you are looking to put in there has any sort of design around the edge (like many foreign coins do) then I would opt for the direct fit...but with US coins this really isn't an issue, for me anyway. Choose whichever YOU like the look of best.
sometimes when I get airtights I get them for the right diamiter but It doesn't fit Snuggly enough and rattles around a little bit, which makes me kind of nervous, anyone else ever had this happen?
Yes I had this experience as well in the beginning. But then I discovered that it takes a while for all the air to go out of them (hence the name) and if you let them sit a bit and then re-compress them around the edges they usually secure quite well.
I bought some proof ASEs yesterday. I transferred them out of the Mint holders and into direct-fit Air-Tites. I noticed that the coins were a bit loose in the Mint holders. Now, once I put them in Air-Tites they will not fit snug into the Mint containers because the Air-Tites have a smaller outside diameter, but that's not a problem for me because I put them into an Air-Tite album. I kept the empty boxes (with the discarded holders) in case I want to sell them someday. Meanwhile, I have more confidence that the ASEs are safer in Air-Tites (both from tight fit and air tight standpoints) than I do in the original holders.
Air-Tites are not air tight. There is little difference between them and the holders the mint uses in that regard.
Sorry Moderator..... but Air-Tites are ABSOLUTELY airtight! I found this message board by following a link from our "hit counter" and it looks like I've found a new home! This is my first post but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon.
Marty ! Welcome aboard ! I've been singing your praises (or at least posting your web site) to folks when they ask where to buy accessories. I think you've got about $300 of mine, mostly in Air-Tites, albums, and a few other things.