This is why you should NEVER use 2x2's.

I agree with the others...I have never been a fan of 2x2s. I honestly struggle with organizing my coins because I know that airtite type holders are the best, but they are hard to keep organized.

That said, my view has always been...if I'm going to spend money on a coin I should spend money to house it properly. A $1 hard plastic airtite seems like a wise investment. Personally, I like the holders with the foam ring rather than the all plastic holders. I'm sure foam dust could be an issue but I have never had a problem with it.

What I really wish is someone would design a decent album to hold various types of airtites. The options currently available I don't care for.

 

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Okay. But how about replacing my 2X2s (which are so convenient, since they're cheap and ubiquitous) with mylar flips, the ones without any cardboard? If I keep them in a dry, dark metal box away from heat and other paper products, wouldn't that be better than a 2X2? No dust involved. The only advantage a 2X2 has over those mylar-only flips is that they stabilize the coins a little better, no sliding around. ...And before I try to sell a coin to someone, I can write all kinds of misinformation about the coin on the surrounding white cardboard to whet the appetite of potential buyers; You know, with words like "Super RARE."

 

Ya lost me Doug.

If the cardboard dust is removed from the inner pliofilm and the 2x2 is then stapled together, how can new cardboard dust possibly get onto the coin.

As for folks "blowing" the duct off the coin, I'm hoping your using an ear syringe instead of a well aim blast from your mouth. Remember that one primary area where moisture leaves the body is in your breath and Saliva in minute quantities can cause spotting.

 

As the 2x2 ages, the cardboard begins to deteriorate and break down. As it does so, it will flake off and produce cardboard dust. This happens on both the outside and the inside of the 2x2. The outside dust falls harmlessly away but the inside dust is trapped inside and can make its way to the coin. If stored in a 2x2 long enough, dust will find its way to the coin.

 

But, the inner pliofilm covers the entire surface of the 2x2. Plus the coin is sealed, by its huigh rims inside the pliofilm.

I see absolutely no way that cardboard dust can flake off of the inside of the 2x2 and somehow magically pass through the pliofilm to get to the coin.

 

Well, I have seen it happen. I take great care to make sure all the coins and 2x2s are blown clean with canned air prior to placing them in 2x2s yet over time dust manages to get in. You can believe what you like...but I have seen it.

 

While I agree the 2x2 dust can be annoying at times, I've yet to see dust cause spots on coins. The ones I use anyways, are acid free. If it's leaving spots, the coin had to have had residue of something else on it's surfaces to begin with and the paper is covering the original surface color while the rest of the coin toned. Just my thought. I've had coins in original 2x2's from the 50's and never seen this happen.

 

I have never had any problems from using 2x2s...just the occasional piece of dust. I have never had any toning or spotting from them. But, I consider them to be the lowest level of coin holders and protection. I'm I'm going to pay for the coin (really any coin I'm going to buy at this point), I'm going to invest the $1 into a decent holder.

IMHO, if you can't afford a $1 investment to protect your new coin...I think buying coins shouldn't be high on your priority list.

 

Doug, what are your thoughts on the round plastic ("airtite" type holders) verses the type that has the foam ring?

 

That was my thought too...the foam ring allows for small differences in holder size and prevents the coin from rattling around. I just didn't know if there an issue I was overlooking.

 

Is that foam ring made of inert material? I had a Grant commem in one of those holders that employed the foam and when I popped the capsule to have a better look at the coin, the foam ring began to disintegrate. Ultimately the coin went into a 2X2........

 

That's the only concern I have ever had with them (outside of finding a easy way to organize and store them). I know the Intercept Shield holders are...but they can be hard to find in all sizes. I'm sure they are at least as inert as cardboard.

 

The inner side of 2x2's don't have cardboard on them so that would be impossible. Even if it were possible, those flecks wouldn't magically travel towards the center of the 2x2, especially with it being stapled shut...

 

Simple answer, it can't!

 

Wouldn't you think that if the dust from a 2x2 can pass through the pliofilm that the dust from an album might pass through the plastic of the airtite?

I mean, magic is magic.

 

You're right...I think the only solution to this problem is to stop collecting coins all together.

 

It's a thought I have entertained on frequent occasions and my activities of late have been moving in that direction.

The one point I am willing to concede regarding 2x2's is that they can potentially damage coins if the are used incorrectly. What I mean by that is that the urge to get as many coins as you can into a 2x2 storage box can be irresistible and many dealers literally cram 2x2's into these storage boxes! The tight fit can and often does impart staple damage to coins as they are shoved in and taken out. I always leave plenty of room for my coins and add additional boxes as needed and I ALWAYS clinch down my staples as flat as possible using heavy duty pliers.

 

Actually, I have reduced my activity in coin collecting at times in part because I have been unable to find a storage method I like that allows easy viewing of the coins. I still haven't found one. It has been a point of considerable frustration for me.

I don't care for 2x2s for several reasons...one of which is the dust but frankly it is the least on the list. I honestly believe they provide little to no protection and like you have said can easily damage the coin if used incorrectly. I too always clinch down the staples. But, I can say that I have been trying to move away from 2x2s.