Wisdom battles practicality---or---DHeath's logic vs. current storage mediums.

keets · January 28, 2007 11:47AM

DHeath has stated on several occasions that the best and most logical time to slab coins is when the point of sale has drawn near, words of wisdom if ever I've heard them. Now, I don't necessarily follow that advice but it isn't because I disagree with it, I just haven't yet found a really reliable, attractive way to store my collection that promises not to cause any degradation in the long term. Slabs just seem to work better and have a certain asthetic appearance for me. I have coins in 2X2 plastic shells, SaFlips and Intercept Shield Albums; of those I think that the Album looks the best but it also has the propensity to cause the most damage. SaFlips seem to be the safest, but they also look the least attractive to me. Then we have slabs...................

Which brings me to Don's advice about "no coin slabbed before it's time" to be sold!!! I would pose this question to the membership-----What do consider to be the best long term storage medium for your coins, even the really, really valuable ones, a medium which provides sound protection(no chance of damage going in/stored/coming out)??? Is there something out there which isn't generally known to us all which works well and looks attractive??

Al H.

ColonialCoinUnion · January 28, 2007 11:59AM

I've tried most everything, but I honestly think slabs (or an equivalent, such as those Coinworld holders that you can do yourself) offer the best combination of protection and 'viewability'. I also like a uniform presentation.

The traditionalist method of storing coins in cotton purchases and 2x2s scares the heII out of me, necessitates handling every coin just to look at it and almost assures that one will get fingerprinted, dropped or dinged at some point.

DUIGUY · January 28, 2007 12:02PM

I can't argue with the points made and proven when selling . But who in their right minds would break up a set that has bin together for so long such as this one ?

I would never bust this family up !

DHeath · January 28, 2007 12:11PM

Thanks Keets.

For me, it's a coin chest with felt lined drawers, and coins in Airtites.

They're perfect for me, because the only thing I see is the coin. JMO Every shop I visit, I look for coin cabinets. The last one I bought was a Franklin Mint chest meant for the "Genius of Rembrant" series. I paid $15.

seemyauction · January 28, 2007 12:27PM

I like the Coin World holders...they are expensive but I like em......

AL

Longacre · January 28, 2007 11:39PM

The CW holders seem to provide a fairly high level of protection. I don't own any but was curious-- can you reopen them once they are sealed?

messydesk · January 28, 2007 11:47PM

<< <i>The CW holders seem to provide a fairly high level of protection. I don't own any but was curious-- can you reopen them once they are sealed? >>

Yes. I'm partial to the smaller (old ANACS) size, which I use for my VAMSlabs (see link in sig). You can read through the top edge of these slabs, whereas you can't with the PCGS size ones.

MadMarty · January 28, 2007 11:50PM

This is my storage room...

ricko · January 28, 2007 11:52PM

I went to the CW site and did not see the type of holder described... or at least it was not obvious. Has anyone a link to this type of holder. Cheers, RickO

numisma · January 29, 2007 12:21AM

Slabs do not necessarily proved a lot of protection. First of all, we know that they are not air-tight and, secondly, we do not know the long term affects of the soft, pliable plastic inserts. Have you ever cracked an older ANACS slab? As soon as you crack it, you can a big whiff of some very strong smelling chemicals. It is nauseating.

What do I recommend? Well, there's no perfect answer and it really depends on your tastes and how much the coins will be moved in the future. For coin dealers, the holders need to be able to withstand constant transport without damaging the coins. I currently like Saflips for most coins that I transport. How the coins are packed into a 2X2X9 is important though (to prevent rubbing together). Eagle holders are great holders, but they do not work well for thin coins (draped bust quarters, half dimes, etc.). If I had to pick a slab for storage, I would select the PCGS slab. Best of all the TPG's, imho.

originalisbest · January 29, 2007 12:42AM

Amos Advantage coin slabs

Here you are ricko. Try searching around "Amos Advantage" for all manner of coin supplies. You need to be a subscriber... but for access to practically any kind of supplies you may need at a good price, I'd recommend:

JP's corner

Note you can get these holders from them as well.

ricko · January 29, 2007 12:43AM

Thanks OIB... Cheers, RickO

originalisbest · January 29, 2007 12:53AM

You got it.

keets · January 29, 2007 1:02AM

you see, Don, you kind of answered your own riddle with the CoinTain suggestion. i've seen them from time to time and they seem to provide good protection, easy viewing and a sort of inocuous appearance, almost as though the coin is raw. i tend to like the various folders that are out there with the Intercept Shield version being my favorite. the only drawback is the risk of friction, so unless you place all the coins in them at the same time they can be detrimental to the health and welfare of a collection.

what's your cheapest source for the CoinTains?

291fifth · January 29, 2007 1:11AM

Cointains. They have been around since 1950 and work very well.

Gemineye · January 29, 2007 2:25AM

Aside from the regular slab that we are becoming accustomed to I find those 2x2 cheepie staple holders to Horrid on quality coins.They are fine if the coin is in still in the mint cut-out.If you are looking for a quality holder to keep an eye on your precious beauty from time to time then an Intercept 2x2 Holder is the way to go along with the 9" storage box.

DHeath · January 29, 2007 2:28AM

I like airtites, the kind without the trim ring, and buy them in bulk on Ebay. The last batch I bought was for small dollars, and I gave $45 for a box of 250. They are hard, secure, and inert.

Wisdom battles practicality---or---DHeath's logic vs. current storage mediums.

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