I'll try and be quick My question is regarding the folder used to keep coins in. I know it matters to some degree, but how important is it to have a nice folder? I'm asking because I'm almost finished collecting the 50 state quarters from circulation, and I hate the case I've been keeping them in. I loathe it. It's huge, and it's pretty much designed for kids... I asked my mom about it though and she said the collection might be worth more, because the folder I'm using was supposedly the first folder, when the plan to put the state quarters into our system was made. So, would that make it worth more, or can I tear out my quarters and get them in a decent looking folder? I know that wasn't exactly quick but I appreciate any help I get!! thanks!!
That's a good question. IMO, you could hang onto the original folder just in case it would have extra value some day, and just get another one. I severely doubt it will have a lot of value because there were so many different, "original" type folders for these. But, it wouldn't hurt saving it. I keep my circulated set of state quarters in a Littleton album, opened up on the shelf above my computer. The outside of the folder is green and the inside is sort of a light tan color. It lists the state and the year it became a state under each quarter. I'd recommend it for these. It's 8-3/8" tall and each page is 6" wide. Total length open is about 25". For other sets I'm doing, I use Intercept Shield albums. Circulated state quarters will be worth face value for a long time. They made billions and billions. You could probably just start another set in a different album if you really wanted to.
For state quarters, a folder is good enough as lond as they stay in the holes. I don't think touching them will lower a circulated coin's value anyway. I used to buy Whitman folder religously, but Littletons are every bit as nice, and still American made. The last couple Whitmans I bought were made in China, which kind of bothers me.
Littleton folders are supposedly archival quality. Whitman blue folders have had a reputation for toning coins due to impurities in the paper and/or glue. Sometimes the toning is a rather nice blue (if you like toned coins). However, I have seen some silver coins in old Whitmans that turned brown to black on the side facing the paper and around the edges. And sadly yes, the new whitmans are made in China.
I especially like the littleton folders/albums. They're made out of coin safe materials and are more succinct than most folders by other comanies.
Thanks everyone! I guess it really doesn't matter how much it's worth since it's a circulated set, so I think I'm gonna buy a new folder that I like better. And thanks for the tip about whitman folders... I'm definitely not a fan of toned coins so I'll be avoiding those! All my coins are in cheapo folders right now, and that's been fine so far Especially since these first sets aren't for resale or anything haha
