Do Any of You Guys Keep Expensive Coins In Albums?

ChuckC · April 28, 2005 12:21AM

I'm talkin about the coins that most would feel more comfortable seeing in plastic. e.g. GEM 1909-S VDB, GEM Buffalo nickels from the 1920s, early date FB mercs, etc...

The reason I ask is because when completing an album, there are unsightly holes for the key dates (because they are in slabs). Does anyone crack out rare keys or generally expensive coins to insert them in albums? what's your most expensive raw coin?

ziggy29 · April 28, 2005 12:47AM

Not a "gem," but in terms of cracking out the keys, I cracked out an 1877 IHC to place in my album a few months ago:

I thought about cracking out a '14-D cent I have (PCGS AU-50), but given the doubling in value from XF to AU I decided it best to leave it in plastic. I'll probably eventually buy another F/VF '14-D to put in the album. THAT one I'd be okay with cracking out.

ss350camaro · April 28, 2005 12:50AM

The responses to this question should be interesting.

So many people spout off on "Don't buy a coin raw." "Why isn't it in a PCGS holder if it's real"?
....etc.....

Heaven forbid any collector that collects raw coins and puts them in albums! They must all be fake if there not in plastic.

(flame suit securely fastened)

topstuf · April 28, 2005 12:50AM

Print up some labels that say "In Slab"
Then cut out the words in a circle.
Stick em on a coin of same denomination and put it in the hole.
Presto.....no empty hole and you can sleep at night.

Darkmane · April 28, 2005 12:50AM

i even have trouble putting 60-200 dollar coins from au-50 to ms-64 in my type album.... i dont think i could do it with something on the magnitude of a 1909-s vdb

tmot99 · April 28, 2005 12:51AM

I'm currently working on a key date type set. This will be a long term project, but I am buying mostly certified stuff to ensure authenticity but crack them out to put into a 7070 album. I am doing lower grade stuff (VG-VF range) but still some cost big bucks.

Edited to have complete thoughts.

BillJones · April 28, 2005 12:59AM

Not any more.

I just poped out my most exensive "album coin", a 1909-S-VDB in EF for slabbing.

The main trouble with albums is slide marks. You got to be really careful of those.

mgoodm3 · April 28, 2005 1:04AM

I wouldn't. The whole slidemark thing scares me.

airplanenut · April 28, 2005 1:13AM

I've got a few $100-$200 coins in my album, but they're all circulated and not keys...

Baley · April 28, 2005 1:17AM

depends on what you mean by "expensive"

I've got several $500+ coins in my type set album

RYK · April 28, 2005 1:19AM

I have a 1916-D 10c in an ANACS AG-3 slab that I have hesitated to put in my album. Why? If I ever want to sell the circ set, the burden of proof is on me to prove the 16-D is authentic. Any advice?

I have not purchased the 42/1 10c, which is keeping the set from being complete. It is an expensive coin and not readily getable in low circ condition. I am slightly annoyed with Whitman for making slots for varieties like the 42/1 10c and the 18/17-D 5c in their albums.

coppercoins · April 28, 2005 1:23AM

I don't use "albums," I use 20 pocket Cowens pages and safe flips. I keep all of my coins in three ring binders, and yes...anything in a slab comes out of the slab for the collection.

ziggy29 · April 28, 2005 1:27AM

<< I have a 1916-D 10c in an ANACS AG-3 slab that I have hesitated to put in my album. Why? If I ever want to sell the circ set, the burden of proof is on me to prove the 16-D is authentic. Any advice? >>

Well, if I ever sold my IHC set I'd just get the '77 slabbed again. Worst case, the grade comes back slightly lower, but the difference between VF-35 and XF-40 isn't all that much for this particular date and I derive enough extra enjoyment from the full set in an album that it's a chance worth taking. I'm certain it's authentic; if I had even the slightest doubt I'd not have cracked it out.

LeeG · April 28, 2005 1:47AM

I have coins I've bought Raw from Forum members in the $300 range and also slabbed coins I've cracked out at the same price range that I've put in my DANSCO 7070. I take before cracking pictures and save all the labels. It's all about what you feel comfortable doing. For me it's a long term project where I feel $300 is well spent now as I look at the eye appeal, quality, and value, of this album 20 to 40 years in the future.

Barry · April 28, 2005 1:56AM

<< depends on what you mean by "expensive"

I've got several $500+ coins in my type set album >>

Me too.

I specifically wanted my type set album to be complete, filled with coins, so it's full of cracked out coins.

In other albums I have, I just put a little piece of paper in the hole, with writing on it indicating grade and slab co. Not as pretty as a coin in there, but functional.

RegistryNut · April 28, 2005 2:55AM

Bill Jones couldn't be more accurate about slide marks. Do not ever put Lincoln proofs in an album. I did
crack some out for album purposes. Now they all have slide marks and I'm just sick. No more crackouts
or albums for me.

My business strikes seemed to survive the slide marks very well.

RegistryNut

Shamika · April 28, 2005 2:57AM

Sorry, but I'd rather keep expensive coins in their slabs.

I hate not being able to handle them or put them in an album, but it's also great to know they are relatively safe and that I can take a few of them anywhere without worrying they might be damaged.

Of course, taking a 100 slabs with you to a coin show is another thing all together.

ChuckC · April 28, 2005 3:00AM

Another Q:

Can slide marks be prevented? What if you are super careful (press those coins DEEP before sliding the window back over??) What about leaving the slide windows off?

Steve · April 28, 2005 3:09AM

Folks, you don't need to decide between albums or slabs. Have you ever heard of the Eagle brand of holder? It holds 9 PCGS or NGC slabs per page very nicely. Buy a 5" three ring holder and you can nicely fit 10 Eagle pages into one binder. That is 90 coins! Smaller binders can accomodate three to six pages of 9 coins. I think this is an excellent way to have the look and feel of an ablum for a collection while at the same time maintaining the value that only a slabbed coin from one of the major third party grading services provides. JMHO. Steve

ziggy29 · April 28, 2005 3:10AM

<< Can slide marks be prevented? What if you are super careful (press those coins DEEP before sliding the window back over??) What about leaving the slide windows off? >>

It might not be easy to prevent them 100%, but if you use some cotton gloves and firmly grab both sides of the coin, a finger on either side of the album page, you can position the coin right in the middle of the hole in all direction. That would minimize slide marks as long as the coin doesn't shift (which it could do occasionally, especially if the album is jostled around).

If you rarely open and close the slides, it becomes a minor thing, especially with circulated coins. I'd be afraid to do that to a gem mint state coin; even small slide marks can lower the grade and hurt the value.

F117ASR · April 28, 2005 3:12AM

That's why I have airtites. Airtites make albums and your coins are safe if you crack them out. Looks nice too!

paigowjohnny · April 28, 2005 3:17AM

<<Me too.

I specifically wanted my type set album to be complete, filled with coins, so it's full of cracked out coins.

In other albums I have, I just put a little piece of paper in the hole, with writing on it indicating grade and slab co. Not as pretty as a coin in there, but functional. >>

Me three

AgMe · April 28, 2005 3:42AM

Hello all,

I was at a coin club meeting a while back, and a dealer I met pulls out this (Dansco I think) type set album & hands it to me (tries anyways). I tell him "wait till I finish eating & can clean my hands before I look at them".

He had (some) coins in the 5k-10k USD range in there with their PCGS numbers hand written underneth... The set was spectacular, but I felt funny about seeing so many great coins in an album. It was a sight to see though...

Edit: I'd rather keep mine in their plastic prison though.

-g

JRocco · April 28, 2005 11:07AM

Sure. At least 1/2 of this Frankie album is from broken slabs. Almost all proofs are cams and a lot of business strikes go FBL. And yes- be really careful about slide marks.

mirabela · April 28, 2005 11:34AM

This is a really good thread. It's quite a dilemma, isn't it. I haven't cracked anything yet, and I'm sorely tempted since about a dozen holes in my type album refer to coins which sit inconveniently in slabs nearby.

On the other hand, there's my Barber quarter to remind me why not to do this. It is an MS65, but would probably tie for finest known of the date/mint were it not for a group of slide marks on the cheek put there by a previous owner more eminent than I'll ever be. Those are the *only* marks on this coin. I take heed.

LanLord · April 28, 2005 11:34AM

I have no problem with expensive coins in albums, so long as you're careful about the slide mark thing.

librtyhead · April 28, 2005 11:49AM

I keep an 1894p morgan au58 in my album..............

Baley · April 28, 2005 12:01PM

oh, don't get me started on my album sets of peace dollars, Franklins, Washingtons, indian cents, lincolns, mercs, Jeffies. And never mind the damned Wayte Raymond albums

mozin · April 28, 2005 1:58PM

Absolutely not!

Coin Finder · April 28, 2005 2:06PM

I have a friend who cracked his PCGS EF 45 1901 S Barber Quarter out and completed his Barber quarter set in an old blue whitman folder. He showed it to me. He kept the insert.

Tbig

centmaster · April 28, 2005 2:14PM

<< I have a friend who cracked his PCGS EF 45 1901 S Barber Quarter out and completed his Barber quarter set in an old blue whitman folder. He showed it to me. He kept the insert.

Tbig >>

You've gotta be kidding.

Dave99B · April 28, 2005 2:20PM

I have a friend who cracked his PCGS EF 45 1901 S Barber Quarter out and completed his Barber quarter set in an old blue whitman folder. He showed it to me. He kept the insert.

Beyond insane.....!

Dave

Coin Finder · April 28, 2005 2:22PM

Absoulutly true. I know him well. I bought and sold the 1901 s vg 10 coin from him so that he could purchase his. The back story on this coin is even better!

Tbig

BAJJERFAN · April 28, 2005 2:22PM

<<"I have a friend who cracked his PCGS EF 45 1901 S Barber Quarter out and completed his Barber quarter set in an old blue whitman folder. He showed it to me. He kept the insert.">>

A fool and his slab are soon parted.

Coin Finder · April 28, 2005 2:25PM

It would go right back in the same holder if resubmitted. It is all there.

Tbig

rabbitracks · April 28, 2005 3:12PM

From my own personal collection of a crackout was my key date 1909-S VDB to finish the set. I'd gotten bit twice before in purchases of this coin first one being a added S the second one not genuine according to PCGS grading team. Thankfully both coin purchase was from reputible dealers that both made the purchase right. The second one even went to the degree to purchase a Anacs graded example for me that was far nicer than the one that was orginally purchased. This coin is in my Intercept Shield Album along with the Anacs Certification paper from the slab taped to the album cover for authentication of the coin for future reference if the set is ever sold. Best to have the coin graded if you want the real DEAL with all the counterfits on the market. Thanks ChuckC for the great thread.

haletj · April 28, 2005 3:15PM

Cracking a xf 1901-s quarter to put in an album is no big deal at all. You're not going to harm the coin. I say go for it! Enjoy your coin! On the other hand, I wouldn't put an ms65rd early Lincoln Cent in an album. You will ruin the coin.

originalisbest · April 28, 2005 3:24PM

It simply depends on the coin - as others have said - if it is stable (say brown circ, for a copper) and you are able to be careful to avoid slidemarks, it's all good. Problem is, any keys you get cracked out will need to be recertified should you ever want to liquidate with a minimum of fuss.

My solution to this has always been to get the key in the slab, and leave it be! For the hole in the album, then, get something of the same type, but either dateless, or with a date, but with the mintmark area worn away...

Example, if I had a real '01-S quarter, in the slab it would stay, and into the album would be a Fr-2/AG-3 '01-O I have (mintmark looks just "blobby" enough to be an S - if only it were in the right spot! Oh well, a $1 junkbox buy.

)

For a 16-D dime, get an AG 16-S for the hole. For a '56 Flyer, get a dateless but clean and smooth Flyer. And so on, like that - my 2¢. You fill the hole with an appropriate type, but the real deal stays in the slab, and (relatively) safe.

mjhoffpauir · April 28, 2005 6:16PM

I just have to reply to this one. Before there were ever slabs, everyone enjoyed collecting raw coins. They were beautiful in their perspective albums. It was like this for years and years. Yes, counterfeits and fakes became abundant in the 80's-90's and the slabbed coins became feasible and made sense. BUT, are we saying that "I don't like raw coins, only certified coins from the big three". What do you think is in a slab? A raw coin that someone wanted to "guarantee" their potential value for the future. But it is still a raw coin. There is nothing wrong with that, but what ever happened to just collecting raw coins for the fun of it. Yes I have several high dollar coins in albums. I find that they tone nicely if I leave them in albums. But that is my preference. I just feel like we have become more concerned with the dollar investment of coins than the aritisitc value of the art of coin collecting. Coin collecting is like life...you hope for the best but have fun along the way...Just my two cents worth.

GTS · April 28, 2005 6:56PM

When your coins are slabbed they are certified and protected,of course i'd prefer my coins in an album.But it just ain't worth it with valuble coins besides slide marks you can get fingerprints. You could drop an album and damage lots of coins at once. You can still get that feeling of accomplishment you get filling holes in your album by collecting slabbed coins and filling slots on the registry its even more fun then filling albums.This way you'll protect your investment and avoid counterfeits.
GTS

morgannut2 · April 28, 2005 7:05PM

I managed to turn an MS-65 1885S PL Morgan worth $5000 into a $1500 coin by putting a slide mark across the cheek while in my album. I've learned my lesson.

I never could understand why people paid so much for whizzed etc. problem coins at auction, until I needed to fill those unsightly album holes!

ibzman350 · April 28, 2005 9:21PM

Expensive is relative, according to the wife all my coins are expensive

I like the Danscos, but cringe everytime I need to move the slides. As of late I decided to just leave the slide out until the 3 or 6 holes are filled. This way at least I eliminate about 10 (too early to do the math) back and forth movements of the plastic slide.

Herb

Barry · April 28, 2005 9:25PM

I push the coin deep in its hole. For quarters and smaller, there seems to be plenty of clearance to avoid contact with the slide.

BAJJERFAN · April 28, 2005 10:11PM

There is nothing wrong with that, but what ever happened to just collecting raw coins for the fun of it. Yes I have several high dollar coins in albums. I find that they tone nicely if I leave them in albums. But that is my preference. "I just feel like we have become more concerned with the dollar investment of coins" than the aritisitc value of the art of coin collecting.

Whether you wish to believe it, or not the purchase of many coins these days IS a substantial monetary investment. Many here consider their home to be a good "investment" so when you continually purchase coins that cost more than your house payment are those coins not a good "investment" or are they just fun money?
Go buy a $14K PCGS xf45 1893-s Morgan on eBay crack it out and put it in your Dansco. 3 months later put it up on eBay raw and see how fast you get your $14K back.
Most collectors I know don't have bottomless checking accounts. Crack em if you want to after all they are your coins AND they were probably raw before they got slabbed.

Steve · April 28, 2005 11:39PM

I have found it interesting that in this entire thread I am the only person who has mentioned the Eagle brand holder as an alternative "album" for higher priced coins in a collection. I determined about 8 years ago that in order to preserve the true value of my complete Lincoln cent collection I needed to have my higher valued coins certified by PCGS. I removed them from the Capital holders and they now are in Eagle certified holders. If you collect only circulated coins, then Dansco, Whitman, or Intercept albums may be OK, but if you have nice uncirculated coins with values over $100 you really need to have them certified to assure you don't get burned years from now when you sell. JMHO. Steve

BAJJERFAN · April 28, 2005 11:45PM

Putting yer slabs in an Eagle album don't fill the empty hole in the Dansco. If yer gonna do that just use the blue box. Most folks want em all RAW or all SLABBED.

rottnrog · April 29, 2005 12:23AM

I collect quarters on nickel planchets by date and mintmark and most of the ones I buy are slabbed. I crack them out and put them in a Whitman album. I must admit it does bother me a little when I crack out an MS66 or higher coin ( which I have done ), but it is my personal collection and I don't plan on selling any of them so I don't worry about it.
I still need a few to have my 1959 - 1968 set complete so if anyone has any let me know!

ziggy29 · April 29, 2005 12:27AM

My only problem with the Eagle albums is that they're so dang bulky compared to an old Dansco or Whitman album.

For a while I did have my IHCs in an Eagle album and used the Coin World holders (The Scammer's Choice [tm]) for my raw coins. That way I could keep the slabbed coins and the "raw" coins together. But it took up too much room in the safe and/or safe deposit box, so I decided to go back to a regular album, bite the bullet and crack out the slabbed coins.

A set of high-grade circulated IHCs looks much better raw in an album anyway, IMO.

RegistryNut · April 29, 2005 6:24PM

GTS,

Geez! Slidemarks and fingerprints both in the same sentence. Makes me cringe.

Anyone ever spilled some kind of a beverage close to a key raw coin? Slabs can prevent strokes and
heart attacks too.

RegistryNut

Steve · April 29, 2005 11:56PM

<< A set of high-grade circulated IHCs looks much better raw in an album anyway, IMO. >>

Tim, you take a big financial risk long term, but if you enjoy your coins that is all that matters. Steve

Do Any of You Guys Keep Expensive Coins In Albums?

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