Hi, I am new to coin collecting. I have a few thousand wheats to go through from both my grandfather's and uncle's collection as well and 15 thousands or so memorial cents I have started sorting that I have rolled over the last 15 years or so. I have enjoyed the sorting so far but have not decided what to do with them. I have done some research but if anyone has thoughts on coin folders I would appreciate it. I don't anticapate having any high grade coins or buying proof coins so I was thinking of just getting the whitman folders but part of me wants to be able to see both sides. Since the Dansco folders are so much more expensive I wanted to get opinions from experienced collectors. At some point I would like to progress to nickels and dimes.
I don't like folders. I bought one when I first started collecting, and the cents wouldn't fit into the holes. And, like you said, you could only see one side. I took them out within a week, and have not purchased any more. I also have my state quarters in a Littleton folder. Even before I really started collecting I was getting them and putting them in there. Now they ALL have a jaundiced yellow sheen, some have started turning black (Arkansas especially) Not only that but the paper which is made with sulfer could change the coins. I'm not a fan of toning so that is a bad thing for me. If you have that many of them, maybe you might be interested in the plastic tubes. I collect BiCentennial quarters as a tribute my late father...any and all that I find...and I have them in tubes. It keeps them dust free, it keeps them from rattling around with other coins (which could lead to scratches or wear) and it keeps them all toghter. As of right now that is the only thing I keep in tubes but if I was going to start accumulating other coins more then the one example I keep in my collection and whatever extras I decide to save, tubes would be the way I would go. Good luck!
The Dansco albums are higher in price but in my opinion are the best ones on the market. They allow you to collect your coins neatly and they can be safely displayed obverse/reverse to anyone without fear of getting a finger print on any of your coins.
Oh no not another Dansco person. And from the MidWest too. Not always true but basically Dansco is popular in the West, Whitman in the MidWest and Littleton in the East. Slowly changing due to dealers traveling around but Whitman still rules in the MidWest. So there. :rolling: Now as to folders. For one thing all you have to do is contact any manufacturer of those about SULFUR in the paper and they'll tell you no such thing. Just more erroneous nonsence. HOWEVER, as to any folders for coins. They are OK for little kids or anyone that really doesn't care about coins to much. Some of the reasons are obvious. Difficult to put some newer coins in those slots so you press with your thumb until it goes in. The slots are purposely made that way. They are what is called tapered. The bottom of the slot is larger than the top. This holds the coins in snuggly. In the meantime, your thumb print is now slowly etching itself onto the coin due to the acid and oils in your sweat. Some people actually use a rubber hammer and that is really not the best for coins. Next is the process to make them. Large sheets of paper is glued and the slotted cardboard is placed on that. If you look at the rear of the slots you will see the glue. If in a moist area, this glue adhears to the coins and also, not really great for coins. The advantage though is if you have a really well worn coin, you can spit on the reverse, place it in that slot, the glue will now hold it in place. Not a good idea for a 1909S VDB Lincoln Cent though. :goofer: They cost more but always look for Albums. Sort of expensive but if you ask at coin shows or coin stores, they may have some used ones for cheap prices.
