Storing and Displaying Specialized Collections

InforaPenny

Just wanted to introduce myself as a new member and pose a question to the forum about preferred approaches for storing and displaying specialized collections. My primary interest is pre-decimal British and Australian bronze by date/variety. I started out years ago using the blue Whitman (British) and brown Dansco (Australian) albums, the kind with the transparent slides. As my collection grew and varieties began to dominate, I switched to Dansco albums with millimeter pages (31 mm for pennies, 26 mm for halfpennies, and 21 mm for farthings). Bronze is very hard so I haven't worried about scratches from the slides, and I've been using Care to protect high grade coins from tarnishing (following the lead of US large cent collectors).

Since I use my collection for research, I need to be able to easily remove coins to put them under the microscope, photograph or scan them, and sometimes weigh them. This eliminates slabs from the equation. Most of my friends in the UK use a coin cabinet/tray system, as do the museum curators that I know, but these are bulky, expensive and not very convenient for my situation. I'd be interested to learn how other collectors have approached this problem and in any suggestions from other forum members.

Best Regards,

InforaPenny

Hussulo

Welcome to the forum.

These were recommended by others on this forum and I believe they would tick the boxes in your case:

http://www.valleycoin.com/index.php?cPath=9_406_664

as you can still easily remove your coins.

InforaPenny

Thanks for the suggestion Hussulo. I've used a few of these for some rare Breen variety Walkers I have, but hadn't thought of these for British/Australian coins. Might be good for some of my pre-decimal Australian proofs.

satootoko

Two possibilities come to mind, using 3-ring binders and 20-pocket clear plastic pages.

One, is using pvc-free mylar flips and inserting them in the pockets. The major disadvantage to this method is that the coins are neither centered, nor held in position, and look somewhat untidy. However, they are easily removed and reinserted.

The other is using mylar/cardboard 2x2s, which come in various sizes and hold each coin centered in its slot. The major disadvantage of 2x2s, namely the hobson's choice of staples that can scratch neighboring coins, or self-adhesives that outgas who knows what noxious fumes, can be avoided by simply folding the 2x2s without fastening them. The plastic pockets keep them from opening unless you remove the 2x2 from its pocket, so in your special circumstances you retain easy access when you want it, and security when you don't.

1960NYGiants

Check out the Lighthouse systems: Compact and accessible.

Lighthouse

1960NYGiants

And ... ... to the forums.

wybrit

Once again, welcome aboard, InforaPenny.

I'm flattered that you chose one of my old icons to start your account! The image came from a long gone 1855 halfpenny.

InforaPenny

Thanks for your help Wybrit! I think I'm starting to get the hang of this forum.