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 Replies: 22 / Views: 4,810 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19935 Posts |
How long will a modern 2x2 cardboard holder last? What are the chances it may actually damage a coin?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
I have coins in 2X2's that have been in storage for more than 10 years that look exactly as they did when I put them in the boxes.
the staples can be a problem if the storage area is subjected to humidity (they rust) and that can damage the coin but humidity will cause varying effects on the coins anyway .,, but the mylar is inert and will not by itself damage the coins .
or at least this has been my experience others may have differing experience with long term storage .
Metalman
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Valued Member
United States
277 Posts |
I have coins that have been in storage in 2X2's for 25+ years. I can see no change in them.
Fatcat
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1173 Posts |
I see no reason why, if stored properly in a dry area, that 2x2's shouldn't last a lifetime. Water, however, will do lots of damage over time, so avoid overly humid storage.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
As most know, I enjoy going to estate auctions that are selling coins and quite often these coins are in 2 X 2s. Many of these have been in them for a long time or something else has effected them since I find two conditions that seem to repeat themselves.
First, the Mylar film has become brittle and slightly yellow and with a little pressure it breaks and the coin pops right out.
Second, were the coin has been just about the same size as the hole in the cardboard, when removed the edge of the coin is completely green. I assume that cardboard has held moisture and with the coin edge being up against the paper it cause the verdigris. This has concerned me so I now put my coins in 2 x 2s with a hole somewhat larger than the coin to keep it away from any moisture that the paper may wick.
Jim
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
All of the above stated has been true for me. Low humidity seems to be the key. However, one thing that I look for is the rigidity of the cardboard part. I have had flimsy cardboard bend a flat clinched staple out just enough to let one of the prongs stick out. This of course scratched one of my coins. Until then it was not something that paid much attention to, but I certainly do now.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
I have yet to see a problem with using Mylar 2X2's for long term storage. Some of my coins have been in 2X2's for about 20 years. I don't store any coins in high humidity. My entire collection is not stored in an environment that experiences major temperature changes. If you store your coins in a temperature controlled environment, then you should not have a problem.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
819 Posts |
The staples aren't that big of a problem, they just take an extra step when putting your coins away. I keep a pair of pliers right beside my stapler on my desk, even though they seem a strange addition.
Once the 2x2 is stapled, just use the pliers to clamp down the ends of the staples 'til they are flat. Just be very careful not to mash inside the circle of film and damage the coin.
For those who are concerned, and are handy with bigger and better tools, you can use a grinder to grind the teeth of the pliers down so that they are the width of the closed 2x2. Many years ago, a dedicated collector in San Antonio passed out one set of pliers to every large coin store in town. (We really don't have that many,) The dealers have been very kind in sharing the tool, and how to make them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2177 Posts |
That was a very good question. I've never thought about. Thanks for all the replies here.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
19935 Posts |
Another thanks for the replies!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1691 Posts |
Make sure you crimp(flatten) the staples so that they don't scratch or damage other coins or cut your fingers as you examine them...it's easy, use needle nose pliers...you will protect and enjoy your collection for years to come without spending a fortune on storage.
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Valued Member
United States
173 Posts |
I have a couple dozen that date back to the late 60's (yes, I am that old) the staple is a little rusty and the white cardboard is now light yellow, but the mylar is still is good condition. I truly think that mylar used back then was a little thicker. I see no change damage done to the coin, other than some faint toning on some. I have a couple of UNC Roosevelts that still have GOOD Luster. I see no problem at all with long term storage.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1360 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
193 Posts |
2X2 from the very early 1960's. You be the judge. Image Insert: |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
Why were they square? I don't think the mint had any square coins, or did I miss something?
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
655 Posts |
The best 2x2s are probably Eagle mounts. They are expensive compared to cardboard and thicker so may not fit into regular albums although you can get albums that fit them.
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Replies: 22 / Views: 4,810 |
Posted 09/22/2007 09:23 am
