Dansco or Whitman?

I wish to get into U.S. raw coin collecting and wish to work on these type of albums, but I do not know which is more collectible and I am the type of person that likes a uniform look to things so what kind of grade of coins should I set as a limit for placing into these types of raw albums? I mean should I try to make them all VF or better or what. I mean if something would be too valuable in mint state in a slab why put it into a raw album. but what should the parameters be?

 

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Donn,
All my albums are Whitman Deluxe, but I am slowly switching to Dansco. I am going to do a trial run with about 8 albums and see if they are worth the switch. Many of my close friends have been bugging me to make the switch, but up until now I have not had a reason. Now I am wanting to add the silver proof coins to each set and only Dansco has that option. I don't know about whether or not other companies have that option, but I want it so I am switching. These albums are going to be the Roosevelts, Washington quarters and Kennedy halves. If I end up liking these better than my Whitmans, then I will switch the rest of them over slowly. Just my two cents.

 

I use the Dansco albums and several have the slipcase. I am thinking about switching my peace dollar set to Intercept Shield. I have cracked several coins out of slabs and placed them into albums, but as I get older I have been thinking about having my MS peace dollar set slabbed. I know I'm not much help, but I prefer the Dansco.

 

I think that Dansco albums just look better they look like binders.

 

I love my Dansco's. Ive got a ton of them, basically all the modern and then some. The spots for the silver is big for me. I buy a slip cover once the set is complete. And I really like the look of them when on a book shelf.

 

I have tried both Whitman and Dansco albums but now only use Dansco. The Dansco albums are constructed very well and coins do not shift around or fall out as is the case some other albums. TC

 

Looking at my new Witmans versus old ones, I'd have to say they have improves in quality a great deal. However, I'd have to give the edge to Dansco. I also like the idea that Dansco is probably the only Album still made in the U.S.A.

 

And don't forget Intercept Shield particularly if you decide to go with pre-1965 MS coins.

As to what grades you should go for, compare Red Book prices with your wallet.
That will help you decide.
I subscribe to the philosophy, "Buy the best you can afford."

 

I use Intercept (museaum quality)for everything. They are first class. IMO they are better than Danco's.

 

I think you should do a little more checking on that one. Just where do you think Whitman, Littleton, Intercept shield are manufactured?
As to where, a simple on line contact with Whitman, for example, would find they too are made in the USA. You could do the same with many of the others. And don't forget that Whitman has been bought out by Harris so you would want to check where they make theres too.
I'm a Whitman Album person. I really can't see any advantage of Dansco over any of the others. I've had all types and since I've already got well over 100 Whitman Albums, not really in the mood to spend all that money on albums just to make a change when that money could be used for coins.
I see no difference in quality in any of them. And for thoes that like the appearance of Dansco, there too I see no reason for appearance since probably 90% of them are hidden from view somewhere. Many are in safe deposit boxes and no one sees them there. Many are in a safe in a basement so no one sees them there either. To me the appearance of an album that no one sees is redicuous.
The one thing I do like about Whitman Albums is the large variety of blank pages, blank covers, ease in purchasing those as well as the press on numbers/letters, additional plastic slides, etc. With such items you can make your own Albums of whatever you want. Another feature is the size of the Albums where if you want you can add many more pages. Example is Lincoln Cents. Mine is now 9 pages and still room, not easily though, for one more. With this 20 different Lincoln Cents, needed that. Also, many other features like being able to put a variety of coins in one Album such as my Liberty Head/Buffalo/Jefferson Nickels in one album. No proofs of course.
For me it's way to late to even considering changing to any other one especially for the cost of doing that. And for something that no one sees? That makes little CENTS.

 

If I had that many albums I would not want to change either. I disagree about not seeing them. I have my favorites out in the open and when we go somewhere they go in a safe place. Easy out, easy in. I also like the way the Intercepts protect the coins. They are better tha a 2 x 2 that's for sure. I had Whitmans growing up and that's what I am switching from. The intercepts are not cheap, but neither are my coins going in them. Do the Whitmans have the protection like the Intercepts and Dansco's? Maybe they have changed in the last few years.

Another thing I like is the slip covers for each album. Just looks classy.

 

Personally I like dansco - as to the quality of coin you can decide that. As I have mentioned in other threads I do not have a problem with VF non key dates and AG/G key date coins residing right next to each other. It just can not be helped with some of the coins I like to collect. I also do not crack out coins - if I want raw I buy raw from a trusted dealer not some place like ebay. Just make sure you enjoy what ever you decide.

 

Yep! Dansco has the best options!

 

Agreed. I use them for the added benefits at a minimal additional cost. I would look into these before deciding.

 

I vote for Dansco. They are constructed very good and are user friendly. They also come in handy when you are showing your collection to a friend or family member who has those big fingers that end up on your obverse!!. Nice neat look and two sided coin viewing and protection.

 

This is what I have done. I specialize in UNC and silver proofs.

 

I'll also vote for Dansco because they are so well constructed.

 

I Like DANSCO too. One warning though, you can rub the plastic inserts over the coins as you slide them to gain access to the "holes" that you place the coin in and that can cause slight rubs on the high points of the coin's design.

Thanks,
Bill

 

With the amount of home invasions happening lately that is not really a great idea. Allowing people to see those can eventually lead to a real serious problem. So your put them away when out. Criminals know that and a gun to your head will oddly enough make you go get them. If criminals know those are there somewhere, it could really become a serious situation. Some of my neighbors have found that out the hard way. One in serious condition in hospitals for a long time.
As to slip covers. I simply place all my albums in Zip Lock bags and have been doing this for a long, long time and absolutely no problems.
Regardless of the type of Album, none are air tight. None are moisture resistant. Even the best made ones are not air tight. Remember that, it's important.

 

I love my Danscos.

I have one Lighthouse album for the presidential dollars and am dissatisfied with it. The coin doesn't fit snuggly in the hole, so when you go to look at it, some are upside down, etc. I shoulda stayed with Dansco!