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Weezer1878
Valued Member
United States
342 Posts
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I'd like to move some of the coins I have into albums, but not sure if this is wise or just not worth it. Also, if I do decide to transfer, do I need to wear gloves?
Background on this is I have a bunch of Jefferson nickels, lincoln wheat cents and Kennedy half dollars, among a bunch of other coins. They are currently in cardboard protectors that has plastic protectors and the cardboard is stapled. Those cardboard protectors are in plastic sleeves and in a large 3 ring binder. I'd love to transfer them to albums so when my daughter inherits them, she doesn't have to lug these huge heavy binders around. Also I'd like to add to the collection to fill in the missing coins.
Should I leave them or transfer them? If I transfer them, are the Littleton Coin Folders good for this, or should I buy a better one?
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
6222 Posts |
My question would be what kind of condition are they in. If they're coins that have been handled before or circulated gloves are unnecessary. If they are mint state or proofs/uncir and never been handled I would definitely wear something to keep finger prints off them.
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Valued Member
United States
342 Posts |
All are circulated. Some of the newer Jeffersons, 1960 through 1981, are in much better condition than the earlier ones and could be closer to mint. I would say mint, but I'm still learning.
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
1632 Posts |
Dear Shanon, For the time being there is nothing wrong with leaving the coins in the "2 x 2" holders. They have been around since forever and are good protection. From a three cent piece to a quarter they are fine. For larger coins there are 2 x 2 "flips". If you DO decide to open a 2 x 2 then ask for help from the members. More than a few high-value coins have been scratched in the process of removing them. For example, I like to loosen the staple from the reverse before sliding a staple remover or even a knife through the obverse. ALWAYS pointing away from the coin and NEVER towards it! Congrats of the purchase of your first coin! A Winged-Head Liberty, AKA "Mercury" dime?
P. S. Gloves are not necessary but a towel over your working surface is a good idea. You know to always hold a coin by the edges and not over the surface?
Edited by matthewvincent 06/20/2012 3:08 pm
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Valued Member
United States
342 Posts |
Thanks for all of the advice. I haven't handled any of them yet, but if I do decide to transfer them over, I will handle like you explained. Yes, I bought a better grade Winged Head Mercury dime than what I have now. I'll still keep the lower grade though since it was passed down to us. I have a large variety of coins, but the mercury dimes and the Franklins are becoming my favorite. The Peace Liberties are also very cool, but right now I only have 5 different years and completing the set is outside of my housewife budget. 
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
1632 Posts |
Now Shanon, At his point I would suggest that you take the original dime and hand it to you daughter. Tell her, "Your grandfather [or grandpa or papa or dada or whatever] held this in his hands and he liked it very much." Watch her reaction and report back to us. I would hope that the response is, "Tell me more about him." Coins are important, but family is so much more important. Coins within a family are a link to the history of the family. OH please, do not let this opportunity pass.
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Moderator
United States
17308 Posts |
If you like the look of the albums, as I do, then it is most definitely worth it. This is something that is going to depend on your own personal tastes. If you think it will benefit your daughter, then go for it. I agree that gloves are not necessary, and that a soft working surface (towel) will prevent any regrets. You may also want to use a clean soft cotton cloth or towel to help the more stubborn coins into their holes. In closing, I have used Dansco albums since 1984 and have zero regrets and no complaints. Again, it is my personal preference, as it always should be in this hobby. 
Jbuck! ... Coin Collector since 1978 ... Learn about my Avatar here!
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
11110 Posts |
Sort of agree with jbuck but then there is that Dansco name thing. By that I mean almost everyone on this forum is stuck on Dansco brand Albums. Yes they are probably the best on the market but if you like other brands, many are just as good or almost. I use mostly Whitman Brand Albums but I do have some Intercept Shield, Dansco and a few others too. NO on the Littleton ones though. And as you already noted it is much easier to look at all the coins when in a professionally made Album with the title of the coins under the coin. If you check around at coin shows or coin stores you would find many other brands too. I like coins in an album. For some reason just looks more professional.
just carl
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Valued Member
United States
342 Posts |
My husband and I spoke about it last night. I'm going to slowly transfer them and do one set at a time. I'm starting with the buffalo nickels and I think I may go for the Dansco. I think by placing them in albums it will help me to see what I am missing and what I actually have. Before I transfer, I want to diary the coins (thanks for the advice Matthewwvincent) so that my daughter knows which coins were her great grandfather's and great grandmother's and which ones I picked up for her. She will be 2 on July 4th so she has several years of coin fun ahead of her.
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Moderator
United States
17308 Posts |
Quote: I'm going to slowly transfer them and do one set at a time. Good idea, there is no reason to rush it. Take your time and enjoy the journey. 
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