What suggestions do ya'll have on storing coins in the 2X2 cardboard holders and storing them in plastic sheets (usually 20)? I keep them in a dry place and they seem OK. Also, how long should I keep the coins in the holders? Any thoughts?
The first thing you need to do is make sure you dust off the INSIDE of the 2x2's. Small pieces of cardboard "fuzz" are left when the 2x2's are cut. These can scratch your coins. Make sure you also flatten the staples. If you don't, you can scratch coins stored beneath. That being said, however, 2x2's are a good storage medium. They'll protect your coins at a relatively low cost. If you have valuable coins, there are other and better ways to protect them, but for your $3 Mercury dimes, 2x2's are the way to go.
I use 2x2 mylar window cardboards housed in these: They are acid-free clamshell photo album 3 ring binders. That way, all areas of the album are at least covered from dust and other outside "floating" particles. It is not air-tight, but better than standard 3 ring binder. As for the 2x2's, I print up Avery Labels (80 per page) with the year, mint mark, and designation on line one in #12 arial bold font. On the second line, I include the mintage numbers in #8 arial normal font...all neatly centered on the label! (Use Microsooft WORD...it is easy) For key dates, I highlight the year, mint mark and designation in yellow! For the reverse, I may print up avery labels with notations like cost paid, inventory number, grade, etc., that may be important to the given coin. I do tht often, but it is an option It helps protect and present your coins like a pro! Remember to always crimp down your staples with pliers if you do not use a self-crimping stapler. This actually squeezes your coin between the mylar window nice and tight! Keep them dry and at room temperatures and they will last!
I've started using CoinEdge holders for all my coins (except Lincoln cents). They cost a bit more, but look very nice and appear to be utterly airtight. I put each holder into an album page (12 holders to a page) and store those in 3-ring binders.
Midas, Those clam photo albums look like a great way to store your 2x2's. Where do you get them, online, at a photography store, Ebay ?? They would seem like you could stack them easily on a shelf or in a safe. I enjoy looking at my coins and this seems like a great way to view, organize, store and protect them. Thanks Larry
Here you go: Clam Shell 3 Ring Binder LINK It is a great way to view, organize, store and protect coins using 2x2's OR............ Use Intercept Shield 2x2's stored in Eagle page holders: Don't buy their coin holders or binders. Use just their pages with the Intercept Shield 2x2's for ultimate protection over straight cardboard 2x2's. It is what I use to keep my Lincolns "RED". Here is their link: Eagle Coin Holder's LINK
