Hi everyone! I am metal detectorist and also an avid coin collector. I joined this site because my metal detecting forum does not really have anyone who is an expert on coins. Anyway, my whitman blue book of coins says for the best long term coin storage, to store coins in inert plastic tubes. I think that is a stupid idea due to the fact the coins would be touching one another, and scratching the front and backs of others as the tubes are handled. I use eBay and wizard coin for my supplies. Currently I use cardboard mylar holders for storing coins of values less than $30. I find that the Mylar does not seem to bother the coin, and I have a few coins that have been in mylar holders for over 10 years that still look great. For coins with a value over $30, I use air-tite holders as these seem to keep air out and prevent toning on silver coins. My question to the forum is what is: 1. What are some other good protectors for long term storage of coins besides mylar 2x2 cardboard flips and air-tites? 2. I have a few large cents that someone cleaned, I have a product call "cent toner" however it tones some very good and others it actually brightens, what would be the cause of this? Thanks!
Many members on here have pointed out slabs. I have recently started using these, and I like them quite a bit. Cheap, sturdy, and a pretty way to present them. I ordered these exact ones, but for halves. http://cgi.ebay.com/25-BCW-Small-Do...123?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a8629a33
For circulated coins, albums with slide windows, and hard flips are decent. Capital brand plastic holders tend to be pricey but are time tested. I like to have extra layers of protection from humidity. Food safe tupperware kind of containers, zip lock plastic bags designed for food, silverware boxes, all can add additional barriers against moisture. Some like to use rechargeable desiccants in with their coins to absorb moisture.
