I mean... Air-tites are too thick and stapled 2x2's are not very... archival save because they're not airtite at all... but are these glue sealed 2x2's any good??? Anything to know.. to care or watch against them? and is 12¢ each a good price? (just like there is there : http://www.kaymarie.com/selfsealcoinholders.html) Thanks a lot for any input about this! Max
I would be concerned about the glue breaking down and possibly harming the coins. Also, as a general rule 2x2's are OK for circulated coins of low value, but they are not recommended for Unc, Proof or valuable coins.
One comment. A coin I bought arrived in one of the new self seal 2x2s. I had a very difficult time removing it. There would be a high likelihood of damaging a high grade coin while removing it from the holder.
Thanks to both of you They say the glue is inert and totally archival safe... hope it's true. I agree MS coins should not be in such holders... But I got some very nice pieces and more or less rare that I want to keep safe enough.. I think this would be a good way! Thanks Max
I use airtites for the better coins. It makes no sense to spend a lot of money on a coin, then skimp on the storage. I don't think I'd want anything with glue on it millimeters away from an expensive coins regardless of the manufacturer's guarantee.
Airtites or slab them. 2x2's arent bad... the sealed one will protect better against corrosion... Max
What kind of guarantee does this 2x2 company have that it wont affect your coin? Will they simply replace the 2x2? I dont know if very many here recall the Coin albums back in the 70's that were ruining coins. They were loaded with PVC. Their warranty was this. They would send you a bottle of cleaner and a new insert for the coin album(s). I remember seeing Thousands of dollars in coins (Face) Green as grass....
Okay, so I'm better with airtites...... Are there any kind of binder storage for airtites just as there are for any kind of 2x2's? Thanks Max
Yes Max, there are. And Air-Tites can be purchased for less than 50 cents each - cheap for what you get. You can find just about anything you want right here - JP'S Corner
Okay, now I'm about convinced airtites are the best things I could store my coins in... But a few questions remaining : Aren't these foam rings hiding the whole edge and maybe even the rim? Am I wrong, or are many coins going to move and maybe scratch themselves in "direct fit" holders? Or am I just better not use direct fits?? The thing about models (A, T, H, X, Y, Z and maybe others) is giving me a headache... Is it just about the thickness, or something else? And the last, but really not the least... how in the world do I put my coins in a good old 3rings binder??? Bunch of thanks for any good answer to these questions!! Max BTW : I know JP has good prices, I compared with some others, that's very good, but he's not even answering my email!!! (Jul 25)
I think the lowly mylar 2X2 is getting a bad reputation here. Take a close look at a new 2X2. The inner lining is a continual sheet of mylar. When a coin is put into a correct size 2x2, and stapled properly, the mylar forms a contact closer I bet than any "capsule type" of holder. The mylar is drawn taut around the obverse and reverse of the coin, preventing any air from moving in and out. Maybe the rim might be affected over decades of storage, but no more than in a capsule. There will be some remnant air in all containers unless the container is assembled in a vaccum or inert gas environment. I think the airetite and a good mylar 2X2 would have similar storage abilities, and also that most damage is done in handling and storage of the coins before they reach this environment. Take a look at one of your 2x2 around the rim of the obv. and rev. notice how tight the seal seems. I have a few modern commemorates ( silver) I purchased from a wholesaler in capsules, and already changes are occurring. Not from the capsules fault, but I am sure they mishandled the coins inserting them into capsules. JMHO. There are also some times when a 2x2 size might not be around, so I also use SAFLIPS with inserts. Your mileage may vary.
Yes, they do hide the edge. But so does any other holder. No they don't move around if you buy the correct size direct fit holders. The difference between ring type and direct fit is mainly one of looks. It's about the size (diameter & thickness). They use one size with different sized rings for different coins. Sometimes 2, 3 or maybe even 4 different coins fit in one holder - the outer diameter of the ring is the same but the inner diameter is different to fit each coin. Not sure I understand that last question - you buy the pages with pockets in them and place them in the binder.
You understood the last question, the thing is I can't find something made for airtites... weird! There are little books... boxes, but not binder sheets. Anyway, as predcarn said, not sure 2x2's are so bad. If the albums are usually stored in humidity controled areas, there should be no problem, even at very long term. Max
At the link I provided earlier for JP's Corner you can find albums for Air-Tite holders. You can also find the plastic sheets with pockets that can be placed in 3 ring binders on the same web site. As for 2x2's, they have other detracting elements as well, among them cardboard dust. The small pieces of cardboard can scratch the surface of a coin and or create unsightly toning spots over time. And the thin mylar over the coin provides very little protection for the coin. Almost anything can scratch the surface of the coin right thru the mylar. IMO no coin of any particular value nor any coin that is unc or Proof should ever be stored in a 2x2. It's just not wort the risk.
