Coin packaging as art?

Weiss · March 3, 2004 3:01AM

My signature coin is the Lydian siglos (565-546 BCE) I got from Harlan Berk a few months back. It's been in the flip that he sent it to me in since I got it, and I've been fretting about having such a nice coin in a PVC package. Today I stopped by my local coin shop to see if they had any suggestions. The coin is considerably thicker than all but a US$, and since it is smaller than a dime, the coin would look silly and would rattle 'round in a $ holder.

Solution: My dealer, Gary, whipped out two capitol dime holders. Took the center white plexiglass insert out of one, turned them facing each other (to obscure the "dime" label), then put the clear layers on the front and back. But then the plastic screws were too short. Aha! He whipped out the parts from several used stamp albums. He cannabalized four screw sets, which just happened to fit like they were made for the capitol holders.

Result:

An inert heavy-duty coin holder that screams 21st century holding 2,500 year old coin from the dawn of coinage. Thought it was pretty nifty! Almost like a mini-museum display.

What do you think? The corners even up perfectly, I hadn't aligned them yet in this photo.
Interesting, cool, ugly? Any chance the aluminum will react with the silver?

291fifth · March 3, 2004 3:06AM

Excellent, innovative solution. Getting that coin away from the PVC was a wise move! So far as the question about the aluminum goes?????

laurentyvan · March 3, 2004 3:13AM

Nicely done! A little packaging goes a long way.... I do consider coins as works of art and like to see works of art properly framed.

CIVITAS · March 3, 2004 3:35AM

Clever.

I don't think the aluminum will pose a threat. Once oxidized, I think it's fairly inert.

Refrema · March 3, 2004 3:53AM

I have quite a few medals in custom made holders like the Capitol ones. I have a local company who will cut the inside piece to what ever size we need, and then we put them together with plastic screws. For a couple pieces we needed longer screws, so I use Stainless Steel screws. Home Depot will have them so use the barrel plastic piece that was with them, but use the SS screws to hold them together.

Bob

1jester · March 3, 2004 3:57AM

Nice solution, Weiss! And nice to see you over here. Great coin too.

Refrema · March 3, 2004 4:24AM

Here is a quick shot of a few of the holders. They cut them to the exact size I need, and use what ever thickness material that the medal needs. I have all of them made 4 1/2 inches square so that they all look the same.

Weiss · March 3, 2004 4:35AM

Outstanding, Refrema!

1jester · March 3, 2004 4:56AM

Refrema, wow!!! What a beautiful collection, and presentation.

ColinCMR · March 3, 2004 5:16AM

neat custom holders

Refrema · March 3, 2004 5:20AM

Thanks!

I believe in protecting my collection, but making it look good as well. Having them in holders like that is great because I can let someone hold it, but not have to be afraid of how they handle it. I have had about 50 made, and will soon give them another batch to make. They have been great to work with, and the laser cuts have been exactly right every time.

Bob

MrEureka · March 3, 2004 6:52AM

Coin packaging as art?

Not only art, but a valuable historical artifact!

For those that don't get it, click here!

NJMark1 · March 3, 2004 9:21AM

Nice Custom holders! BTW I found Lowes to have a better selection of srews and barrels to hold them together then Home Depot. I found them when I had to replace the screws that were broken from a capital holder.

The thread on the NCG box got me thinking I have a couple of PCGS and US mint boxes any buyers?

Mark

Coin packaging as art?

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