Recommendations on archival safe capsules for American Silver Eagles

DeutscherGeist

Hello Fellow Coin Crusaders,

After having inadvertently dealt with all kinds of unsafe coin storage materials, I want to start things off right with the new silver eagles I got.

I want something archival safe for silver. No more PVC or softeners or cheap yellowing material. Also, I want something air tight as to prevent or slow the toning process. I have decided that for my purpose, I would like to have some clear capsules for the ASEs.

I have the following on ebay that sound good:

25 Direct Fit Airtite Coin Capsules The term Air-Tite is used, but in the bottom portion of the description I also see the term Coinsafe (which is another manufacturer?).

Or these:

Air-Tite Capsules I am not sure if these are from the manufacturer Air-Tite or they are air tight.

This also:

Air-Tites (direct fit)


Please advise so that I can make a good informed purchase. I like the direct fit over the system that uses a foam ring. What is the advantage of the latter anyway?

MsMorrisine

air gets trapped in the air-tites and coins can still take a tone in them.

they all look liike direct fit air-tites. the non-direct fit ones with the rings are just for looks.

MsMorrisine

coinsafe makes tubes and capsules.

you'll have to ask the seller which they are selling -- air-tites or coinsafe capsules.

renomedphys

I think this might get the results you're ultimately after

derryb

unfortunately there is only one actual AirTite product but many other capsules being sold under the name on ebay.

Buy AirTites from a known source

Note that many ebay sellers are buying these in bulk and reselling the actual product in smaller quantities on ebay. You just have to take your chances when buying on ebay. Why not buy in bulk from the above link and sell your excess on ebay. The advantage of the foam ring is that it allows one capsule to fit a number of coins utilizing the cheaper foam ring. I also prefer the direct fit. The US Mint has its own unknown source for capsules that are unlike any aftermarket products.

The primary purpose of the capsule is to protect the coin from mechanical damage, not to seal it from air. So, any tight fitting capsule that won't pop open or allow coin movement will actually do the intended job.

MsMorrisine

other online sources include Wizard coin supply, air-tites.com, and the manu. airtiteholders.com

halfhunter

I buy mine by the hundred directly from Air-tite

If you want them truly air tight put them in the caps then vac packem.

HH

derryb

<< <i>I buy mine by the hundred directly from Air-tite

If you want them truly air tight put them in the caps then vac packem.

HH >>


You should compare prices, my link (Valley coin) sells them for less and offers more sizes.

DeutscherGeist

Thank you guys for participating. The input is helping.

I would buy in bulk from the Air-Tite company directly, but I will not have a need for so many, nor do I want to deal with selling the excess on ebay.

Is there any indication on the capsule that it is the genuine brand Air-Tite? I just don't want to get stuck with an inferior product if I take a chance on ebay. I already emailed a seller asking to clarify the product.

Derryb,

The source you referenced looks good. What do they charge for shipping?

MsMorrisine

no makers marks are on genuine air-tites.

you don't need to buy in bulk from sites mentioned.

Constantine

I like the airtites with foam rings for silver eagles. But does anyone have true knowledge from long-term storage that the foam does not impart toning? Sure, it should be inert and all that, but it is still a foam ring touching the coin and I am not fully confident. Thanks

steveben

<< <i>... does anyone have true knowledge from long-term storage that the foam does not impart toning? >>



i have a 1995 silver eagle in a foam airtite that has no toning at all. i have many others that i received at the same time that are stored either in felt bags or mint tubes...each of which have toned.

the search for true knowledge, however, continues.

DeutscherGeist

renomedphys,

I like the humor! Perhaps it is best to melt all the coins down and make silver bars instead. No more festering over condition then.

Constantine

<< <i>

<< <i>... does anyone have true knowledge from long-term storage that the foam does not impart toning? >>



i have a 1995 silver eagle in a foam airtite that has no toning at all. i have many others that i received at the same time that are stored either in felt bags or mint tubes...each of which have toned.

the search for true knowledge, however, continues. >>



May we both be alive when this search comes to an end!

Thanks for the data point.

DeutscherGeist

I read that the foam is polyethylene, which is an inert material. So, it makes sense why steveben was successful in storing his coin.

Also, as a general rule, if you want to make sure a plastic is safe for coins, do a smell test. If it has a plastic or chemical odor, it is not archival safe. PVC with softeners will have an odor, but not mylar or polypropylene.

pmac

Does our host's product not fit the bill? They might be expensive, but their opinion seems to be the industry standard as to grade and authenticity. Their encapsulation is pretty good as far as preventing toning.

DeutscherGeist

OK, I got an email confirmation from the ebay seller on the first link of my initial post. The capsules sold in lots of 25 are not of the Air-Tite brand, but are made by Coinsafe in California. I think its still deceptive, but the product may be just fine numismatically speaking.

tahoe98

...i really don't think air-tites are airtight. the nearest to that reality would be a sealed glass slab of sorts and the last time i checked there aren't any.

DeutscherGeist

pmac,

Our host makes capsules? I am not referring to grading, just coin capsules.


Tahoe98,

I don't think Air-Tite capsules are really air tight either. The point for me now is that I want to buy the genuine Air-Tite capsules and not get stuck with an imitation. Ebay is going to be a crap shoot unless someone can vouch for a certain seller. Valley Coins has the item, but I cannot find out their shipping rates unless I start actually ordering them.

derryb

<< <i>Valley Coins has the item, but I cannot find out their shipping rates unless I start actually ordering them. >>


From the valley coin home page: "Shipping is just $5.49 no matter what is ordered. This makes our delivered prices the best in the business!"

DeutscherGeist

Thanks derryb. I just found it myself and already made an order with them.

PerryHall

I've tried capsules and decided that flips are easier to use, cheaper, and take up less space. I only use non-PVC flips such as Saflips which are archival quality and safe for long term storage. Also, if you wish, you can heat seal them to make them air-tight.

coinsarefun

I would offer some insight DeutscherGeist but my idea would be counter productive






by the way have you checked out the latest book on ASE's? It's a good one

DeutscherGeist

PerryHall,

Thank you for the input. I like flips too because of the reasons you gave. I will be using those soon enough. I just wanted the capsules for the American Eagles because it is more enjoyable to handle and I can introduce the hobby to friends and relatives. It makes a bigger impression to handle a coin in a capsule than a flip, especially to novices.
People want to "feel" the coin and it looks attractive when capsuled coins are in a display case. I will use the flips if I have multiples of a coin and just need to store it.

By the way, where is your source for Saflips? I need to have some in stock.

Coinsarefun,

Thanks for sharing. I have several German silver coins from the previous regime which are already toned to different degrees. Some even have the original luster. Its best just to leave them that way and enjoy the toning.

morgansforever

Put em in Dansco and let em tone

PerryHall

<< <i>By the way, where is your source for Saflips? I need to have some in stock. >>



I bought a bulk supply a few years ago and haven't run out yet. I forgot where I got them but a web search should find some. They are more expensive than the PVC flips but you won't have to worry about damage to your coins.

DeutscherGeist

PerryHall, The coin dealer that is near me uses flips that have an odor. Needless to say, they are not archival safe. I think his purpose was to just sell a coin to a customer and give him or her something to carry it in until he/she reaches home. Its still annoying to say the least. Now I have to dip the coin in acetone to get rid of any possible residue before utilizing a REAL flip.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>I read that the foam is polyethylene, which is an inert material. So, it makes sense why steveben was successful in storing his coin.

Also, as a general rule, if you want to make sure a plastic is safe for coins, do a smell test. If it has a plastic or chemical odor, it is not archival safe. PVC with softeners will have an odor, but not mylar or polypropylene. >>



The foam is actually a polyurethane and not polyethylene. You might also consider a product called kointain which is similar to an airtite, but is flexible. With a little luck a kointain will fit into the hole in a Dansco. Places like the Smithsonian, etc. use them.

A source

PerryHall

<< <i>

<< <i>I read that the foam is polyethylene, which is an inert material. So, it makes sense why steveben was successful in storing his coin.

Also, as a general rule, if you want to make sure a plastic is safe for coins, do a smell test. If it has a plastic or chemical odor, it is not archival safe. PVC with softeners will have an odor, but not mylar or polypropylene. >>



The foam is actually a polyurethane and not polyethylene. You might also consider a product called kointain which is similar to an airtite, but is flexible. With a little luck a kointain will fit into the hole in a Dansco. Places like the Smithsonian, etc. use them.

A source >>



This site also sells Saflips which were discussed earlier.

MsMorrisine

I wouldn't advertise myself as a coin collector.

even if you trust your friends, who they tell may not be trustable.

tahoe98

I wouldn't advertise myself as a coin collector.

...yeah, i get enough advertising from the PO everytime my mail comes with coin world or coinage or numismatic news or the numismatist or coins magazine or mint ads or.............................................

steveben

<< <i>Put em in Dansco and let em tone
>>



do you leave the plastic on or off? nice coin!

morgansforever

<<do you leave the plastic on or off? nice coin!>>

They go into the Dansco raw, just pop em in and with any luck a toner will be born.
This one was inserted while it was 100% white. Some tone some don't.