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Best Collection Book?

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Benja's Avatar
United States
186 Posts
 Posted 03/23/2017  12:27 am Show Profile   Bookmark this topic Add Benja to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
Hi, I am a beginner trying to make full collections of some types of coins. I have some Whitman albums, including the two latest penny ones and an almost-complete Jefferson nickel series.

The problem is, I've heard that coins in albums that are in open air don't do well over time. I have a few really nice ones in there so I am concerned. I also may consider starting a collection of more valuable coins, and I don't want them to get ruined.

So, what is the best option? Should I purchase an empty book of plastic coin holders? Should I purchase some Dansco albums? Would staying on Whitman books be fine? How about buying individual coin holders?

Thanks

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spru's Avatar
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12477 Posts
 Posted 03/23/2017  12:56 am  Show Profile   Check spru's eBay Listings Bookmark this reply Add spru to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
They can be pricey but look up CAPS albums. They use Air-Tite capsules for each coin and are probably the best overall protection available.
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kanga's Avatar
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5825 Posts
 Posted 03/23/2017  08:35 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add kanga to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
CAPS albums are new to me so no opinion.
But also consider Intercept Shield albums.
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 Posted 03/23/2017  08:47 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Oldephriam to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
@Benja - this is the question that indicates the moment you are moving into being a serious coin collector. Unfortunately this question has no easy answer. I will try to present as best I can an unbiased briefing of each album option that I am aware of. It should be noted that all albums will display both sides of a coin. I'm not sure if the CAPS albums will show the rim of the coin also, none of the other albums will.

Whitman albums are a solid choice to go by. Many collectors like the look of silver coins against the blue pages. These are readily available and affordable. These will also keep your coins safe. Since you have some of these already it might be a good option to stay with them.

Littleton albums have a small but dedicated following. They are similar to the Whitman albums except they are green. I don't know much about these but most collectors seem to want to pass on them.

Dansco albums are the standard by which all others are measured by and for good reason. The quality for what you pay is tough to beat. Don't get me wrong, these albums are Not low cost! There is a drawback to Dansco albums and it is huge. Apparently Dansco is no longer producing or updating heir albums. This may not be a problem if you are collecting a series that is no longer minted, however if you are collecting a current series then you will have to get creative. There are no updates and apparently there will be no updates. Finding new albums can be a challenge, I spent a significant amount of time and money getting my 8140 album.

CAPS albums are top tier. I am not aware of anything better on the market. These albums will keep and display your collection like no other album, they might even let you see the rim of the coin which is important for certain coins series with edge lettering. These albums are complexly flexible as they allow you to customize which coins in a series you want to collect. There are only two drawbacks that I am aware of with these albums. First they are big, really big. Second they are expensive, really expensive.

The last option and one that many collectors use is 2x2 holders placed in page holders. The are economical and allow the greatest flexibility. They won't win any beauty awards.

Ultimately it all comes down to what do you want and how much do you want to spend. I have Dansco albums and I like them, I'm getting creative to keep them up to date. As for cost? I have more than one album that cost more that what the coins in it are worth, I'm ok with that.
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CelticKnot's Avatar
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 Posted 03/23/2017  6:45 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add CelticKnot to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
Great summary Oldephriam!

I have a mix of CAPS, Dansco, and Whitman Classic and you can't go wrong with any of those options. From a price point and general availability perspective, Whitman Classic may be the way to go.


Quote:
The problem is, I've heard that coins in albums that are in open air don't do well over time.

Some folks here slip their albums into a zipper-top bag and stick a few silica gel packs in as a desiccant. I have a basket of desiccant packets in my safe to try to deal with any humidity. Your question makes me wonder if you're referring to folders (as opposed to albums) though. Folders, while inexpensive and compact, offer little protection and are generally not considered for anything but a from-circulation-type collection.

to CCF, Benja!
Edited by CelticKnot
03/23/2017 6:46 pm
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 Posted 03/27/2017  11:32 am  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add just carl to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply

Most already said. However, I'm sort of a Whitman fan so I use their Albums all the time. You could also use Google and type in coin albums. Lots of others out there also.
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