I have yet to see an album that has slots for mint state, proof, and reverse proof coins, such as with Silver eagles or the innovation series. Why do you think that is? Why not include ALL variations of coins in a series?
Many albums do not include special issues. The many 2014 Kennedy halves, the March of Dimes dimes, the W Lincoln cents, the 2017 enhanced unc, etc. Dansco can't keep up I guess.
With the mint randomly producing various collector items, it's impossible for the album makers to keep up. They can't predict the future except for regular circulation coins. Even then, the mint throws them a change up every once in a while and they have to issue an update page for albums they've already sold.
I have found that albums are a poor choice for proofs. The cardboard dust create spots and the slides can hairline the coins.
What I wanted to say was: "Listen to the dog. He's right" But I tried Grammerly's Generative AI beta which suggested: "I was hesitant at first, but after listening to my dog's persistent barking, I realized he was right. There was someone lurking outside our house. Thanks to my furry friend, we were able to stay safe and secure."
So that they can be displayed the same as the rest of the coins in the series? Not to imply that a coin collector would have OCD tendencies like that. It's still a bad idea, though, IMHO. As @ldhair said, an album isn't a great place for a proof, or any high-grade uncirculated coin.
That depends equally on the album and your environment. Reputable albums are made from archival materials. The coin is still exposed to the environment. No slab is gas tight. Copper and silver can demonstrate environmental effects in either storage.
I guess I'll play the devil's advocate - albums can produce some very attractive toning on some coins. And provide a great way to display and look at a collection. More enjoyable than a box of 2x2s in my opinion.
Older albums were not made of 100% archival materials. 100x the number of coins (1000x) were damaged by Whitman blue folders for each one that has pretty toning.
Understood, but I'm referring to Danscos, as that's all I have had experience with. I do have an Intercept Shield album for my US Type Set ("7070" but that's Dansco's number) - and I have not noticed any change, good or bad, to any of the coins.
Yes, Dansco, the higher end Whitman, Littleton (which are OEMed from Dansco/Whitman) should be archival. And most people don't routinely crack rotten eggs next to their coin albums... Just be careful, the Intercept Shield only has a 10 year guarantee/lifespan. It -might- last longer depending on the environment, but it might not.
Mint packaging may not be all that much better. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/us-mint-packaging-update-7-year-mark.404314/ Though environment probably plays a big part.
I don't like Proof coins in Danco or any other album. All that offers is a good chance that they will be ruined. I bought an album for my great nephew, who might become a collector. It's one of those "push them with your finger" albums. I can't believe they included holes for Proof coins in it, especially cents.