They're nice because they are square and thus easier to store than round holders. In my experience they open a little too easily as opposed to Airtites and the coin seems to have room to move (rattle) a bit in the holder as opposed to Airtites. I also prefer the crystal clear type acrylic/plastic used on Airtites over these 2x2s. Shop around other sites and look for bulk order deals to get a better price on whatever you buy, but remember that the holders individually packaged, while more expensive, generally have less scuffs/scratches on the holder than if you bought bulk.
If you want air tight storage, there have been many threads on holders. No these are not air tight, neither is the "air-tite" holders. One study done by W. White states that koin-tains are the closest to being airtight. They are the easiest to incorporate into existing albums, but are a major pain to remove. If you have a coin, you like to handle like a "coin" rather than a slab of plastic, this is it. DO I use them? no, they are too frustrating for this old guy. I put mine into mylar flips and heat seal twice. Those are air tight. http://www.jpscorner.com/KoinTain_Coin_Holders.htm Jim
Pismo500, in my humble opinion you get what you pay for so if you feel this is what you want, go for it. Purchase one(1) as a test container and go from there. It does seem rather very expensive. I'd go for it.
Jim, Do you happen to know if the foam ring in AirTites are in any way reactive over time or bad for the coin. Does this type of foam rot eventually? I do use AirTites with the foam ring as opposed to the direct fit AirTites and personally prefer AirTites over KoinTains and Whitman 2x2s. I figured with your advice on chemicals and materials in these forums that you might be able to afford me a reasonably accurate answer. Thanks. All, I've used this site to order holders recently and liked their service, packing, ship time, payment options: http://www.coinsupplystore.com/
If you are referring to Whitman, there are others here who would agree as to their quality , except in reference books. But as to JP's corner, I have nothing but good things to say about their prices and services. Krispy, I suspect that over many years, especially in hotter environments, they could become friable ( falls apart to smaller pieces, as rot, means to organically breakdown). I have some of the first ones from at least 20 years ago that were in the package and I lost them in a garage cabinet and summer temps are high ( 100 in garage today) here and the plastic crumbles in your hands, but the pieces still are non-reactive as far as I can tell. I suspect there would be no problem from the plastic.I would trust them for that. Jim
Thanks Jim. And thanks for the clarity on friable vs. rot terminology. I wouldn't even think to store my coins in high heat environments like a garage in summer nor an attic. The higher value items are SDB'd at the bank vault with silicone packs while the few at home are inside with me in the resplendent HVAC. Never stored near windows, sunlight, any room with excessive moisture like kitchens or baths and free from pet dander and smoke. hya:
Krispy, if they could just invent something that would keep us in as good condition for as long the coins will! But I am not ready to be slabbed just yet! Jim
