I recently had to buy capsules for 56 quarters so I shopped around. I saw that Air-Tites (the brand) are usually 2X to 3X the price of capsules with no brands. However, I noticed that every seller refers to their capsules as "Airtites" even when they're not specifically that brand. (I guess it's like "Scotch Tape." We all got used to calling any brand tape by that name.) What's the difference? Is there really a difference? I asked some people and the consensus is that there's not much of a difference. So I decided to buy one branded Air-Tite to compare with some generic capsules. May I share what I found out - as well as what I couldn't find out. (AT = Air-Tite brand, and G = Generic, no brand) 1. AT (right) looks glassy and crystal clear. G feels a bit plasticky. 2. To be fair however, the difference in transparency is more stark in enlarged photographs than actually in-hand. Here, while there's still a difference, it's not as dramatic. (AT at right.) 3. The Fine Print Test. Here you can see how the fine print becomes less sharp when viewed through the generic capsule (left), vs. the AT capsule on the right. 4. The AT weighs about 8% heavier than the generic ones. CONCLUSION: The Air-Tites are a bit clearer and a bit heftier. However, depending on a person's subjective preferences and tolerances, these difference may be unimportant or not even perceptible. WHAT I CAN'T FIND OUT: Is there a difference in the durability? Will one yellow or chip more easily? I don't know. Alrighteee... Wanted to share what I found out. Have a good week!
There are no substantive differences between airtites and generic capsules so as to justify the price difference. I have used generics for many years, and find them more than satisfactory.
Good to know. For my 56 quarters, I also went with the generic ones (at about one-third the price) because the clarity difference didn't make that much of a practical impact for me. I was, however, worried about the long-term durability.
Oh yes!!! I forgot one more thing. The generic ones (at least the batch I bought) are about 0.5mm larger in diameter than the Air-Tites.
Honestly, I don't have enough experience to know. But I had messaged several senior members who have used the generic ones for many years and they've got no complaints, as Morgandude11 had just mentioned. Sometimes we pay more just for the brand, you know.
I've never owned a CAPS album. Are the round slots a bit flexible? Is there some give (in case the capsules are 0.5mm too big)?
There is a little resistance so they will stay in place. They sort of snap in. I was taking the America The Beautiful quarters that came from the US Mint in the sets of three and putting them in CAPS blank pages. The mint changed the size about half way through the set. So, I had to use Air-Tites or CAPS to finish. I would say that CAPS capsules and Air-Tite will work. But, don't count on any consistency with mint products.
When I am soaking ancients in distilled water, acetone or other solution I use the ice cream stick to move them or remove them from the solution. I don't want anything metallic that may damage the coins.
The way I look at it if you spending over a certain amount of money for a coin then you should spend the few extra dollars for the best coin holder.
