replacing 2x2's

i have free time this week to remat coins that are stored in cardboard 2x2 flips. I bought a bunch of These flips recently and I place these in those polypropylene pages. My practice is for each coin I write the month and date when it was matted. These are also stored in a dry environment and I throw silica gel packets in a container.

do you have have thoughts on when should I periodically remat these coins in fresh flips?

 

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It's not like painting your house every 5 years or so. Why waste a perfectly good 2x2? Why put a "shelf date" on it? I wouldn't bother replacing it unless rust on the staples appeared. Besides, every time you remove the 2x2 from the page, you're stretching the compartment of the plastic page which allows the 2x2 to slip out. Then, you'd need to replace the plastic pages. It's a lose/lose situation.

Chris

 

Interesting viewpoint. If they have been stored for 10 plus years, should they be replaced?

 

Why? I've got some coins that have been in 2x2's for 20+ years. As long as they are kept in a stable environment, there is no need to replace them.

Chris

 

Have they changed at all? If not leave them as is

 

Ok, here is my strategy - if the flip is old and looks crappy in some way or fashion, I will replace it. I will not make this a huge project.

 

I found a stapler that allows you to almost eliminate staple scratches when stapling into cardboard 2x2"s. The actual stapling operation happens very close to the front end of the stapler and you can clearly see where you are stapling. Amazon has it. Search for Vaimo. Staple remover on the bottom.

 

I have coins in 2 X 2 since early 60's with no issues. Why spend more money on 2 X 2 when as mentioned above, unless rust on staples or a tear in the Mylar.

 

Good points - i actually have that type of stapler and it works great.

My question is - why do folks get paranoid of using 2x2's and why do some folks mention that you Should replace them periodically?

 

Easy question to answer, they dont want there money to go down the drain !
but keeping them in a good quality containment system is always a good idea
regardless plus gives you a little piece of mind to boot

 

You keep your 2x2's with horses?

 

I have news for you! The majority of staple scratches do not occur when you are using the stapler. They occur afterward when the staple rubs against another coin.
That is why a flat-cinch stapler is best because the points are pushed down flat rather than curved like you will find with a standard stapler.

Since you mentioned the built-in staple remover that is on the Vaimo stapler, I can only caution you to be very careful if you use it to remove staples from a 2x2. One slip, and you can damage the coin. You'd be better off if you just used scissors to cut away the old 2x2.

Chris

 

Because they don't know any better!

Chris

 

Hey! Hey! Hey! You on the end! Pay attention! I'm not conducting this class for the fun of it. I had to cancel my sushi date with Judge Judy.

Chris

 

You said flips, so I am assuming you are not replacing the coins with 2x2s. I only trust SAFLIP flips. I've had bright copper coins in SAFLIPs for 30 years, and have seen no change. Other flips have given me problems. The paper you use in the flips can leach chemicals that will tone the coin toward the entrance to the flip (top of the coin). So I recommend using SAFLIP paper or sealing the flip sleeve where the paper is located.

 

Is it a no-no to use tape on the three sides instead of staples, they come out of the poly sleeves a lot easier?

 

i also have 2x2 holders from the 60s i have not found any problem with them looked at them in 2008 when i retired and they were as good as the day i did them up keep in a safe enviroment thats the key at least for mine and i have 1000s of them

 

as long as your flips were not made in the 60s when acid paper and pvc were just words on a page...
But then again, I personally would take them out and reflip. I like having contact with my stuff every now and then.
I'll rearrange my paper money binder every couple months so I can hold the bills in my hand, check out the water mark, and contribute to the slow and steady decay of the paper via hand oils
But that's part of my collecting experience is being hands-on.

 

Thank you very much for your feedback