Is having coins in an album a bad thing?

DoubleEagle59 · May 23, 2009 2:19PM

I showed my Morgan collection (in two Dansco albums) to a dealer friend recently and he told me that I'm definitely doing the coins harm by having them placed in the album.

I have a number of moderately expensive Unc Morgans and he was almost shocked that I had them in the album.

Besides the obvious reason of causing friction hairlines by sliding the plastic covering over the coins, what other possible reasons are there that could damage the coins?

Placid · May 23, 2009 2:38PM

Sulphur in the paper (not sure if dansco's are sulphur free). While sometimes coins tone pretty colors from it, sometimes they turn ugly.

BAJJERFAN · May 23, 2009 2:40PM

They aren't very well protected from environmental contaminants. I'd look into putting them into Kointainers first before I put them into the Dansco.

lasvegasteddy · May 23, 2009 3:11PM

something about a sweet assembled album that never will go out of fashion

i remember placing that 28 p in my peace album to complete it and it just held a certain class to have um all in an album side by side

then i caught plastic fever...oh well

TwoSides2aCoin · May 23, 2009 3:25PM

I don't know if it's a bad thing having coins in an album, but it's not a good thing when I see empty slots in them, either. It's just temporary quarters until it goes into the "flip mode". A lot of dealers bathe the color out, toss the whitman out and sell "blast white" coins.

When a guy owns the coins, he can do what he wants. When he owns the albums, likewise.

Raybo · May 23, 2009 3:39PM

<< I don't know if it's a bad thing having coins in an album, but it's not a good thing when I see empty slots in them, either. It's just temporary quarters until it goes into the "flip mode". A lot of dealers bathe the color out, toss the whitman out and sell "blast white" coins.

When a guy owns the coins, he can do what he wants. When he owns the albums, likewise. >>

I agree with 2sides, albums are ALWAYS good!

frnklnlvr · May 23, 2009 7:28PM

My dad puts all his coins in albums. He does buy the keys certified though.

greghansen · May 23, 2009 7:45PM

Besides the obvious reason of causing friction hairlines by sliding the plastic covering over the coins, what other possible reasons are there that could damage the coins?

What other reason do you need?

I love albums and have several, but I would not consider putting an expensive mint state coin in one. I use albums for building circ. sets. Who would even consider putting an expensive proof coin in a slide album? If you wouldn't do it to an expensive proof coin...why do it to an expensive Unc. coin.

Other reasons already mentioned also apply. I have an album set of SAE's that were snow white when I put each one in. Many of the early years now have toning around the edges from their contact with the cardboard pages. I know they are almost pure silver and much more reactive than 90% coins, but there is still the lack of protection from elements already mentioned.

I just wouldn't store expensive mint state coins that way, period.

Steve27 · May 23, 2009 7:47PM

"Is having coins in an album a bad thing?"

No, as long as you keep the album in a cool dry environment. I place mine in plastic food storage bags along with a desiccant. As for the slides causing hairlines, I believe this is a myth.

BAJJERFAN · May 23, 2009 9:07PM

<< "Is having coins in an album a bad thing?"

No, as long as you keep the album in a cool dry environment. I place mine in plastic food storage bags along with a desiccant. As for the slides causing hairlines, I believe this is a myth. >>

Probly wouldn't be hairlines unless there was grit embedded in the slides. There is that Godawful rub look tho.

PerryHall · May 23, 2009 9:34PM

<< I'd look into putting them into Kointainers first before I put them into the Dansco. >>

Would that even be possible? Is the hole big enough to hold a Kointainer?

PerryHall · May 23, 2009 9:36PM

<< When a guy owns the coins, he can do what he wants. >>

Agree. If you own a coin, you can polish it and drill a hole in it and wear it around your neck.

AnkurJ · May 23, 2009 9:55PM

You can also use the any corrosion cover slide which protects the coins from any oxidation or aging.
If you really want to be safe, you can use the Intercept Shield albums. They are good to use, but not as pretty as the Dansco.

Ankur

ricko · May 23, 2009 9:59PM

Some albums cause that ugly phenomena known as toning - which, of course, is damage.

Cheers, RickO

ttown · May 23, 2009 10:04PM

Albums maybe why I still collect after all these years. If it wasn't for my Bust sets, SAE, Franklin, and Peace circulated sets that I can actually keep in my safe I may have stopped collecting. My safe queen sets you just can't enjoy when you feel like it and you spread them out they sure don't look like a set. There's not a better method IMO for the F to AU coins you have.

BAJJERFAN · May 23, 2009 10:15PM

To each his own. As long as they are your coins and not mine, albums are OK by me.

tahoe98 · May 24, 2009 12:46AM

<< 

<< When a guy owns the coins, he can do what he wants. >>

Agree. If you own a coin, you can polish it and drill a hole in it and wear it around your neck. >>

.............

tahoe98 · May 24, 2009 12:48AM

<< Some albums cause that ugly phenomena known as toning - which, of course, is damage.

Cheers, RickO >>

........come on ricko, tell us how you really feel about toning.

WinPitcher · May 24, 2009 12:51AM

Agree with Greg, albums are fine for coins that are fine or lower.

Steve

kahokia · May 24, 2009 1:23AM

My favorite dealer sells a Dansco "Coins" album with pockets for 2x2's. I like these better than the usual Danscos. Another downside to the regular Dansco albums, I think, is their tendency to use a large clear sheet to cover more than one row of coins. Heavy dollar coins can occasionally work their way out of their holes and into the middle portion. For smaller coins, I've always preferred the small "stock books" with 1.5x1.5 pockets, but they've become difficult for me to find.

tahoe98 · May 24, 2009 1:38AM

<< My favorite dealer sells a Dansco "Coins" album with pockets for 2x2's. I like these better than the usual Danscos. Another downside to the regular Dansco albums, I think, is their tendency to use a large clear sheet to cover more than one row of coins. Heavy dollar coins can occasionally work their way out of their holes and into the middle portion. For smaller coins, I've always preferred the small "stock books" with 1.5x1.5 pockets, but they've become difficult for me to find. >>

......would something like this help?

PerryHall · May 24, 2009 2:11AM

I see no problem putting inexpensive or circulated coins in a Dansco album but I sure wouldn't risk putting a high grade or expensive coin in such an album. It's hard to beat a slab for safe coin storage.

coinkat · May 24, 2009 5:24AM

depends on the coins and how often they are removed

kahokia · May 24, 2009 8:13AM

......would something like this help? Tahoe, those are handy--and an inexpensive alternative to Dansco albums. I use them, but I prefer the albums for 1.5x1.5 holders for smaller coins. 'Preciate the suggestion though.

GrumpyEd · May 24, 2009 8:38AM

<< I see no problem putting inexpensive or circulated coins in a Dansco album but I sure wouldn't risk putting a high grade or expensive coin in such an album. It's hard to beat a slab for safe coin storage. >>

That's also my thought, a set of circulated coins are fine in an album and it's fun to fill them. When you have a set of unc coins or proofs they're better off in slabs.

Batman23 · May 24, 2009 9:15AM

<< 

<< I'd look into putting them into Kointainers first before I put them into the Dansco. >>

Would that even be possible? Is the hole big enough to hold a Kointainer? >>

I would be interested in seeing a Lincoln Dansco (with proofs) that held the kointainers. Does anyone know if they make one?

BlindedByEgo · May 24, 2009 9:20AM

<< To each his own. As long as they are your coins and not mine, albums are OK by me. >>

Really nothing more to add.

BBQnBLUES · May 25, 2009 1:30AM

I wouldn't put Gold coins in a Dansco... but a Type set looks GREAT in them ! To the novice, an album filled with interesting coins is more appealing.

Bruceswar · May 25, 2009 7:05AM

<< I see no problem putting inexpensive or circulated coins in a Dansco album but I sure wouldn't risk putting a high grade or expensive coin in such an album. It's hard to beat a slab for safe coin storage. >>

Maybe I am crazy then. I use albums for everything.. Even my high grade quarter set. They work perfectly fine if you ask me.

Is having coins in an album a bad thing?

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