| How Should I Store My Coins? | | | | with sulfur or other chemicals present in the |
| | | | folders and albums, and are therefore not a good |
| There are two concerns when discussing the | | | | choice for long term storage of higher grade |
| storage of coins. First, the storage of the | | | | coins. The coins are still exposed to light, air, |
| individual coin, and Second, the storage of a group | | | | chemicals and human touching. Albums have clear |
| of coins, or an entire collection. | | | | plastic covers over the coins, which slide in and |
| Storage of a Coin Collection | | | | out. This sliding action can leave unwanted and |
| The Environment of the entire Collection, or | | | | unattractive marks on the coin. |
| Group of Coins is the focus, taking into | | | | Plastic Flips are available in various materials. "Soft" |
| consideration Temperature, Humidity and Light. A | | | | flips were once made from polyvinyl chloride |
| relatively constant, moderate to low temperature | | | | (PVC) which decomposed over time with |
| and low humidity are preferable for long term | | | | disastrous results for coins; leaving a green |
| storage of numismatic collectibles. Placing packets | | | | appearance and substance. PVC flips are no longer |
| of silica gel, which absorbs moisture, in the coin | | | | made and sold. Mylar, vinyl and acetate flips do |
| storage areas helps control atmospheric humidity. | | | | not contain PVC. While not airtight, they are |
| The less light, the better; and absolutely no | | | | reasonable choices for moderate value coins that |
| sunlight. This is why a safe or vault is ultimate | | | | will be "left alone" for multiple years. |
| storage container; because it controls | | | | Vinyl Pages (8 ½ x 11) which fit into a 3 ring |
| Temperature, Light and Humidity, and provides | | | | binder. Well suited for Cardboard and Vinyl Flips, |
| Superior Safety. | | | | with great visability of coin obverse and reverse. |
| Groups of Coins, or Collections are best stored in | | | | This is a Great Favorite. |
| plastic coin boxes, such as sold by PCGS, NGC | | | | Mylar-lined Cardboard Flips, often called "2x2s" or |
| and Whitman, and which will hold 20, separated, | | | | cardboard flips. At one time, the most preferred |
| "slabbed" coins. Another alternative is a cardboard | | | | and commonly used. but also available in other |
| coin storage box (single and double; red, blue or | | | | sizes, are similar to plastic flips. A coin is placed |
| black), which stack easily on each other. Different | | | | between the two halves, which are then folded |
| sizes are available for slabs, as well as Vinyl and | | | | over and stapled together (some brands contain |
| Cardboard Flips. | | | | an adhesive). The boxes that they come in are |
| Storage of Individual Coins | | | | ideal for multiple coin storage. |
| Putting Individual coins into Holders is Imperative | | | | Tubes are plastic containers designed to hold a |
| for all coins whose condition is BU and above, or | | | | number of the same size coins. They come in |
| MS60 and higher. Coins below these designations | | | | different sizes for different coins. They are fine |
| are considered "circulated" because they are | | | | for bulk storage of circulated coins and are |
| found in the general circulation of money. Typically | | | | appropriate for higher grade Uncirculated, BU+ and |
| this will mean they are found in pocket change, or | | | | MS60+ coins. A disadvantage is that the coins |
| in rolls of coins purchased at a local bank. Although | | | | cannot be viewed without being removed from |
| collecting Circulated coins is a great personal | | | | the tube. |
| challenge for many collectors, the more serious | | | | Hard Plastic Holders are preferable for more |
| Coin Collectors will concentrate on "Uncirculated" | | | | valuable coins. They are self sealing, and not |
| coins (BU+ and MS60+ ) because of their better | | | | known to contain any materials that harm coins |
| condition (grade), value, and appearance. | | | | and offer good protection against scratches, |
| Types of Containers or Holders. | | | | touching and handling, air and chemicals, and other |
| Almost anything will do for coins with small or no | | | | physical damage. They are available for individual |
| numismatic value. A coin that is worth only face | | | | and small sets of coins, and come in all sizes. |
| value, is not likely to have much numismatic value. | | | | Slabs are Sonically Sealed hard plastic holders for |
| while nearly airtight holders made of inert | | | | individual coins. They offer Excellent protection. |
| materials are a better idea for valuable coins. | | | | Because of the expense of having a coin slabbed, |
| Bags, jars and boxes are adequate for raw | | | | they are generally suitable only for more valuable |
| pocket change and circulated coins. | | | | coins - i.e.: BU+ and MS60+ Coins. |
| Paper Envelopes or Paper Flips of various sizes | | | | Although generic slabs are available, most often, a |
| (usually 2 x 2) are still used for single coins. Be | | | | slab will be seen holding a coin that has been |
| sure to use envelopes made explicitly for holding | | | | Professionally Certified and Graded - which has |
| coins, otherwise your coins may change color | | | | tremendous advantages. The biggest advantage is |
| (tone) over time due to reaction with sulfur or | | | | when buying a coin on the Internet or by phone. |
| other chemicals present in the paper. Since the | | | | You know what you're getting. A coin Certified |
| coin can not be seen, it is now out of favor with | | | | and Graded by one of the "Top Four" gives |
| collectors. | | | | reliability, assurance and security. A big advantage |
| Folders and Albums are sold primarily for series | | | | over the scam sellers of raw coins, and |
| and type sets. Properly used, they offer | | | | non-conforming grading companies. |
| moderate protection from wear and handling. | | | | Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins! |
| Over the years coins may tone due to reaction | | | | |