This info is probably cached (good coin word eh?) in a thread somewhere else. I've got MS and AU grade coins in an inherited collection. Most of these coins were stored in less than ideal conditions (plastic flips, cardboard 2x2's or plastic sleeves) for 30-40 years, evidently with no ill effects. Currently, I'm using plastic Marcus (Whitman copy) 2X2's to store these. What would you recommend as a step up from these?
Keeping them in 2x2s should be just fine. I've kept coins in 2x2s for more than 30 years -- including highly reactive copper --without any ill effect. If you feel scared, you might pick up a few airtites for the nicer/more expensive coins. And throw in some dessicant for good measure. You might also consider some archive-quality 3 ring binders and PVC-free 2x2 pages as are available from a number of sources.
Thanks for your reply. I think I will get some airtites for a select number of "MS" grade coins. I did get some dessicant in my initial coin supply order. Thanks for reminding me..it's still in the box.
Mike- what's the relative humidity where your coins are stored? Mine is 65-70 and unders 35% in safe deposit box (and even less in ziplocks). My low value coins at home have toned a lot in 2x2's. I live near the coast so maybe this is the reason. I use air-tites for any quality coins and prefer slabbed coins in general. Do have lots of Dansco albums for fun in ziplocks with dessicants.
The cheap coins in 2x2s were stored in my parent's house for many years in a closet. I'm not sure the RH, but I'd guess 50% or less and the temp roughly 78ish in the summer and a bit lower in the winter when the house is opened up. We live in West Florida and the humidity outside averages about 90%, but it's lower inside most of the time.
