| Author |
 Replies: 16 / Views: 17,489 |
|
Valued Member
United States
272 Posts |
I recently picked up 2 LMC Whitman folders for my kids collection and they are having a lot of trouble getting the coins in. Some of the coins seem to pop right in, while for others the hole seems way undersized for the coin. I was wondering if there was an easy fix for this. I don't remember having this much trouble with Whitman folders when I was a kid. |
|
|
|
Valued Member
United States
84 Posts |
I remember having the same problem when I used Whitman folders not too long ago, I can only imagine that it would be especially difficult for younger kids. All I can say is make sure the folders are laying on a hard and flat surface and then insert one end of the coin first and then work around the coin pushing on the rim, if that makes any sense.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1418 Posts |
What I do, is take a screwdriver and move it around the hole to make it bigger. They do stay in if you do that.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
476 Posts |
Probably notwhat you'd want to do for BU coins, but to help my kids get them in I've used a blunt plastic end of a pen through cloth to press them down...I just don't enjoy having Lincoln's head imprinted on my thumbs. :)
|
|
Valued Member
United States
168 Posts |
Whitman folders really seem to have a problem with this. I have a folder that has such a large hole for the 1975 that the coin keeps falling out. Others barely squeeze in. But I use the Robert's table/hard surface method too. Assuming these are kid collections I don't think pressing on a coin would be too bad.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Always has been like that but we usually don't remember I suspect. A long time ago we used them for worn coins so they fit much better. Nowadays so many try putting in a new coin and find it is really tight. I've known people that have used a rubber hammer to pound the coins into those slots.
The reason this problem exists is the shape of the slot. It is tapered so that once in place a coin snaps into place. Meaning the top of the slot is smaller than the bottom. A long time ago kids used to find well worn coins just fell out so they would spit on the rear of the coin which would dissolve the glue at the rear of the slot and now held the coin in place.
To solve the problem is really simple. Find one coin of the same denomination of no value and place in the hole on an angle so not all of it is in. Twist it around the hole to enlarge the top of the slot.
This almost always presses the top edge of the slot outward enough to allow the coin to enter with little trouble.
HOWEVER, I always suggest in order to encourage children into the field of coin collecting is to spend a few dollars and purchase them Albums. Even if used ones from somewhere. By allowing them to see the front and backs of coins, the ease on placing and replacing coins, the ability to add pages, all makes for a more interesting hobby for children of all ages.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2661 Posts |
I personally do not like Whitman's for this very reason. I also don't like the fact that the reverse is hidden from view. I purchased the OFFICIAL U.S. Mint 1909-1973 H.E. Harris binder at the Local Books a Million for $9.95 and it works great. Threw the Whitman folder in the trash, where it belongs.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
168 Posts |
Tim, I totally agree these belong in the trash. But there's something nostalgic about finishing what I started, and it was my first album...  |
|
Moderator
 United States
188213 Posts |
I see no problem starting with folders, especially if you are just sorting through common change with the kids. Like many, it is how I started. It is an economical way to "test the waters" and introduce kids to coins. If and when the kids take (or already have) a serious interest in the hobby, then buying them albums is an easy birthday or Christmas present.  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2520 Posts |
I have found that the older Whitman folders hold the coins better than the newer ones.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
258 Posts |
I personally despise whitman folders. They have damaged or destroyed more coins over the years than can possibly be accounted for. The backs deteriorate and damage the edges and reverse of most coins. This is especially true of pennies and any silver coins you have. Over the years I have thrown out more of these folders than I can count and cried more tears over the coins they had held that were superb with high numismatic value when inserted in the book and now at best qualified as fillers or bullion due to book caused damage. For those folks who are currently using them I would HIGHLY encourage you find a different method of storing your coins. After all you do not want to one day look at that beautiful coin collection you built over the years only to discover it was damaged by your storage method. You worked hard to either buy or find these coins. Don't sacrifice your investment just because you remember using them as a kid. I have gotten sick of looking at damaged coins over the years and it frustrates me to see coins destroyed by Whitman folders.  Sincerely, John Leckrone Edited by 925dealer
12/16/2009 8:04 pm
|
|
Valued Member
 United States
272 Posts |
I may just break down and pick up a LMC Dansco for them. I have been thinking of getting myself a 7070 anyway. |
|
Moderator
United States
188213 Posts |
To clarify my position, I would never recommend putting purchased coins in a folder. I would only put common coins (circulation finds) in a folder. It is a cheap way to get kids interested in coins. Not all kids will stick with the hobby and those folders will go unfinished. But once they are committed to the hobby (when they contemplate those first coin purchases), then it is time to look at the better storage methods. Like I said, albums make good presents. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
19947 Posts |
Quote:
I personally despise whitman folders. They have damaged or destroyed more coins over the years than can possibly be accounted for. The backs deteriorate and damage the edges and reverse of most coins. This is especially true of pennies and any silver coins you have. Over the years I have thrown out more of these folders than I can count and cried more tears over the coins they had held that were superb with high numismatic value when inserted in the book and now at best qualified as fillers or bullion due to book caused damage. For those folks who are currently using them I would HIGHLY encourage you find a different method of storing your coins. After all you do not want to one day look at that beautiful coin collection you built over the years only to discover it was damaged by your storage method. You worked hard to either buy or find these coins. Don't sacrifice your investment just because you remember using them as a kid. I have gotten sick of looking at damaged coins over the years and it frustrates me to see coins destroyed by Whitman folders Indeed! The ONLY thing Whitman folders are good for is kids using common coins found in change. NEVER use these for BU, valuable coins or you'll regret it. I've seen a lot of nice coins damaged by using these folders. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
869 Posts |
 Whitman  I was given a Whitman with a few Nickels in it once. I was hoping for the best when I pulled a few out to take a looksee(sorry Wheezy)They had nice full steps but they where covered in corrosion (black,rusty,stained) Edited by coindexter
12/18/2009 6:38 pm
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
Indeed!
The ONLY thing Whitman folders are good for is kids using common coins found in change. NEVER use these for BU, valuable coins or you'll regret it. I've seen a lot of nice coins damaged by using these folders.
Slight exageration there. For starting a fire in a fireplace, they work well. For holding down papers on a windy day, they work well for that also if filled with concrete. If you pour plaster in them, you get some really nice round plaster circles with blue glue on them. If you donate them to an organization you get to write off that as a tax deduction. If you really don't like some kids in the neighborhood, give them some. |
| |
Replies: 16 / Views: 17,489 |
Posted 12/15/2009 9:02 pm
