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Replies: 25 / Views: 1,174 |
Valued Member
United States
224 Posts |
I don't have anything to keep my coins in so I just wrap them up in paper towels and put them in a zip lock bag. Is this an acceptable way to store them? 
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
37140 Posts |
Paper towels are rough and will scratch raw coins. You would also need some type of decacate (silica). John1 
( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion ) Searched 5+ Million Cents Since 1971
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3941 Posts |
Paper towels may have some bleaching agent in them. They might cause tarnish over a long period of time.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
17888 Posts |
Paper is OK provided that it is non bleached chlorine free, for lower valued coins that can be stored in contact with each other. Individual paper packets used to be used by museums for stock coins, but this approach is fallen out of favor.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20015 Posts |
Do not use paper towels for those coins. For one thing they tend to absorb moisture. The process to make them varies from manufacturer. This means you have no control of what was used to make them indicating possible contaminates. IF possible just use lots of small zip lock type bags but find a way for coins not to touch each other.
just carl
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Bedrock of the Community

United States
14590 Posts |
 Do not use paper towels . If your serious in coin collecting then invest in cardboard 2x2 holders , PVC free flips ,snap locks or air tights . Zip-lock bags are good with desiccant packs but each coin must be holdered . 
Proud Member of The Black Sheep Squadron ! In Memory of Fallen Black Sheep Mates .
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Valued Member
United States
224 Posts |
I had a feeling I was going to get yelled at for that. That's why I asked. They don't touch but yes I'm sure there's bleach or something in the paper towels. Didn't know that that would affect it so badly. I am currently unemployed unfortunately so I do not have the ability to buy the sleeves but I will do my best to separate them without the paper towels. Thanks everyone.
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Valued Member
United States
224 Posts |
I do have a roll of lamination and sandwich baggies I can cut up would that work?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
535 Posts |
I recommend getting some albums and/or 2x2 holders. These aren't too expensive and will help preserve and show your coins much better. Anything that's just worth face value or bullion value can be put in plastic containers.
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Valued Member
United States
224 Posts |
Okay, I will look into it and see if I can find something cheap or someone who already has some they don't mind giving up to a new enthusiast. I do have a new West point quarter that I want to preserve properly. A few other things also. Thanks.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3941 Posts |
Sandwich baggies are safe, as is food wrap. Any wrapping used for food will not harm coins.
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Valued Member
United States
224 Posts |
I thought so because they didn't have PVC in them thank you very much.
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Valued Member
United States
362 Posts |
2x2 mylar cardboard holders work well and are cheap. I get 100 for $3.00 from a seller at one of the local shows I go to, but you can get them for a little more delIvered here. 290940350282
I never met a man I didn't like - Will Rogers I never met a half dollar I didn't like - DeputyMax
Edited by DeputyMax 11/04/2020 5:32 pm
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Valued Member
United States
171 Posts |
Get Mylar (NOT vinyl! )2x2 flips or Cowens 2x2 cardboard holders. They sell very cheap and can be purchased in bulk.
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Valued Member
United States
224 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community

United States
4180 Posts |
@my2cent, You have gotten a lot of good advice.
1. Paper towels are NOT a good long term solution, BUT they will not hurt your coins for short amounts of time (months, even up to a year). So, don't get too worried. If I am travelling, and find some coins I like, I do the same thing as you, but I get them into 2x2 holders as soon as I can. Sometimes I find them months later, but there is no damage that I can see.
2. If you have a local coin shop, you should be able to buy packets of 2x2 holders for about 6 cents apiece, which is a very good investment to protect your coins. My LCS sells packets of 25 2x2 holders of any size for $1.29. It's hard to find such a good price on the internet. If you are not near a city with a coin store, that might be an issue.
Good luck!
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Replies: 25 / Views: 1,174 |
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