Hi all: I am getting ready to buy some holders and I am confused. Are 2x2's and Flips the same? If not what is the diference? At what point should i put a coin in a airtite or something like that? Thanks, G.E.
Okay, a 2x2 and a flip are essentially the same except a 2x2 is made of cardboard backed with mylar that the coin is secured in and is either self sealing or needs staples to hold it closed. The coin is viewed through the window in the 2x2. A flip is a mylar 2x2 that has a pocket on each side for a coin to be inserted into then flipped shut. The coin can be easily removed from a flip, unlike a 2x2. When a coin should be inserted in an airtite, a TPG like holder, or some other thing is entirely up to you. Personally once a coin is worth more that around $150-200 is when I consider moving it to another form of protection, unless the coin is already in an album.
Flips are 2x2, but when the term 2x2 is used, it is usually meant as Cardboard holders (forgot the exact name.lol). For airtites, I generally put all my coins that have a value of $25 or more, unless I need them for my 7070. stainless
I had started a long answer, when I found this article on my bookmarks. It does a very good job of explaining the differences. Better than mine would be. I especially agree with the cautions on the cardboard dust. The only extra I could add is that staples do tend to oxidize(rust) over time and can causing odd toning on coins. I have several morgans that were in cardboard 2x2 and they all have a toning spot at the 3 or 4 places where a staple was 1/4 inch away ( over about a 15-20 yr period) http://rg.ancients.info/guide/holders.html Jim
I use 2x2's for inexpensive non-set coins. Inexpensive sets go into albums. But most of my stuff is older and more expensive, so I buy them in slabs and keep them there.
