Lincoln Cents

That is my biggest concern with my cents so I decided to go with 2x2s and then organize them in a 3 ring binder with 2x2 holding pages. I dont want anything getting on my coins.although others my have different ways that would protect them just as good.

Bumping the post to see if we can get some professional input.

To start with you said Folder, not Album. For me that is sort of like a bad word. Folders are not the best thing for long term storage of coins. Not even for most coins at all
1. You normally push coins into those slots with fingers or thumbs. That leaves prints on the coins.
2. You can not see the backs of those coins so sort of ruins the effect.
3. Most Folders are made with a process of gluing the back sheets to the slotted cardboard sheet. This glue is noticable in the rear of the slots. That glue, when exposed to moisture gets on the coins.
4. In the process of removing most coins, you push them filolently out of the slot and in many instances push right through the back.
5. Every time you open a Folder you expose those coins to your breath, spit, caughing, sneezing, moisture in the air, more fingerprints, your cat's hairs, etc.
6. On the brighter side they are excessively cheaper than an Album.
I suggest you switch to an Album although much more expensive. However, still better than replacing all your coins.

merclover:
"you'll find some excellent advice regarding removing crud from your coins without hurting them."

Can you provide some links to those excellent advices?

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum...

I would never, ever use an album OR a folder to store coins. BOTH are chemical minefields and will...WILL damage your coins, ESPECIALLY red copper. Dansco albums are one of the worst for turning coins long-term, but ALL of the commercially available folders and albums will damage coins.

Use archival safe flips and 20-pocket pages. I've used them for a little over 20 years and have never had a problem.

With regard to the vinegar and salt - that's probably THE worst thing you could be doing to the coins. Cleaning coins ruins coins. End of story, no exceptions. Properly conserving a coin and removing contaminants is something best left to those who know what the contaminants are, what best removes them, and which coins are proper candidates on a one to one basis. Not all coins can be helped, and knowing the difference is half the battle.

If you want to learn how to do it, you will need patience, a lot of pocket change, and a heck of a lot of experience. "Reading up" on it will NOT give you a good start, because there's frankly more bad advice out there on how to 'clean' coins than there is good advice.

A couple of definite no-nos...acetone, acids, and brasso or anything with bleach, ammonia, or other corrosives.

Your 1951 cent is corroded from having been buried in the ground. It is not discolored that way by a folder or album. It's NOT a candidate for any sort of conservation, and it would not be worth the effort anyway. It's a five-cent coin.

Bold statement, coppercoins. I think there are a lot of people here on this forum and elsewhere who would probably disagree with you from years of experience, but you are entitled to your opinion. Personally, I use an Intercept Shield album for my Lincoln cents which is specifically made of acid-free archival materials.

valentine, there is a search box located in the top left corner of every CCF page... that is the best way to find information on coin care.

DanMichSr, I think you should do what ever YOU want to do. Its YOUR hobby, You should preserve them however you want. If you want to clean them, learn the proper way, and if you want to put them in a dansco, do it. I tried the two by two coin sheet method and just didnt like it. I think my collection looks much better displayed in a dansco. Display them however you want!