2 x 2, Quadrums, Capsules and paranoia

[Sword 1,380]

I know this have been discussed before but I still need some advice.

What is the safest way to store a high grade coin so that it can withstand some “rough handling”? We all know the conventional wisdom is to use a coin cabinet, wear gloves, don’t talk and control humidity. However, I am just not the careful type and have picked up some bad habits from my childhood days when I was collecting modern proofs sealed in plastic. I have a habit of looking at my coins during TV adverts and sometimes even on the garden table when the weather is nice.

Initially I tried coin capsules but immediately realised that even with less than 1mm of extra space, the coins can rattle a bit and might pick up high point friction. I have read some nice things about quadrums. However, the foam holes also come in 1mm increments and so in theory the coins won’t be held totally tight either.

I confess to using CGS when I was buying high grade coins from LCA. However, we all know what happened to CGS and it is no longer an option.

Currently, I am using 2x2 self-adhesive coin holders. I like the way the coin is sealed in. However, the problem is that the coin stands proud of the card holder and I am worried it rubbing against surfaces. So to be safe, I would cut up another coin holder, remove the plastic windows and stick the two halves on the original holder. This way, I have double the thickness of the card and the coin is no longer proud.

Am I just paranoid about friction? Are coin capsules and quadrums 100% safe even if there is a tiny bit of movement?

[Paulus 1,954]

3 minutes ago, Sword said:

I know this have been discussed before but I still need some advice.

 

What is the safest way to store a high grade coin so that it can withstand some “rough handling”? We all know the conventional wisdom is to use a coin cabinet, wear gloves, don’t talk and control humidity. However, I am just not the careful type and have picked up some bad habits from my childhood days when I was collecting modern proofs sealed in plastic. I have a habit of looking at my coins during TV adverts and sometimes even on the garden table when the weather is nice.

 

Initially I tried coin capsules but immediately realised that even with less than 1mm of extra space, the coins can rattle a bit and might pick up high point friction. I have read some nice things about quadrums. However, the foam holes also come in 1mm increments and so in theory the coins won’t be held totally tight either.

 

I confess to using CGS when I was buying high grade coins from LCA. However, we all know what happened to CGS and it is no longer an option.

 

Currently, I am using 2x2 self-adhesive coin holders. I like the way the coin is sealed in. However, the problem is that the coin stands proud of the card holder and I am worried it rubbing against surfaces. So to be safe, I would cut up another coin holder, remove the plastic windows and stick the two halves on the original holder. This way, I have double the thickness of the card and the coin is no longer proud.

 

Am I just paranoid about friction? Are coin capsules and quadrums 100% safe even if there is a tiny bit of movement?

 

If it's protection you are after and "cabinet friction" you are trying to eliminate / minimise, and you like the protection afforded by CGS slabs, you might want to take a look at slabbing them yourself? There are self-slabbing kits available, although I haven't tried any of them myself ...

 

 

[Nordle11 564]

I would agree with Paul, capsules are probably your best bet. Although I have a couple of pennies in quadrums and there is literally no movement whatsoever- but I didn't buy them so don't know the deal with the insert sizes.

I remember someone on here saying they supplied slabs for DIY slabbing, although I'll bet AndyJack on ebay probably has some for sale.

[Nonmortuus 885]

All of my coins of any value are either slabbed or in Quadrums. So far the Quadrums have been spot on.

[Nonmortuus 885]

9 minutes ago, Nordle11 said:

I would agree with Paul, capsules are probably your best bet. Although I have a couple of pennies in quadrums and there is literally no movement whatsoever- but I didn't buy them so don't know the deal with the insert sizes.

I remember someone on here saying they supplied slabs for DIY slabbing, although I'll bet AndyJack on ebay probably has some for sale.

This is the guide I use Nordle:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/Selecting-the-Correct-Size-Standard-Lighthouse-Coin-Capsule-/10000000178714172/g.html

Courtesy of AndyJack

Edited September 12, 2016 by Nonmortuus

[IanB 175]

Quadrums is the way IMO

[PWA 1967 2,035]

I use the quadrums.

Another alternative are called Everslab also sold by Andy.

These allow you to put a description on the label ,similar to TPGS and what i put scarce varieties in ,so as not to mix them up 

They are obviously dearer and take up more space,so maybe order just order one of each as both sold singly and see which suits you best.

Pete.

[Sword 1,380]

Thanks for your advice guys. I am into halfcrowns at the moment and will try out Quadrums / Everslab as the coins will fit perfectly in 32mm holes.

 

[Sword 1,380]

Just to say I have now put all my non-slabbed coins into quadrums and I think they are the best things since sliced bread. The black foam can stretch quite a bit and a 28.5mm florin fits nicely into a 28mm quadrum. 37.6mm crowns fit into 37mm quadrums. 

I think the best way to put a coin into the foam is to have the coin on a flat surface. Bend back the foam and put place over the coin to ensure that half the coin is in. Then I stretch the foam over the other half of the coin. 

I don't have to worry about coins moving slightly in holders now. Many thanks for recommending quadrums!

[youliveyoulean 24]

I've been trying out the PCCB slabs which are strikingly similar (if not the same) to the ones NGC use. Much better for viewing the coins than the quadrams in my opinion. Re-usable and apparently made from coin friendly materials.

[Sword 1,380]

13 minutes ago, youliveyoulean said:

I've been trying out the PCCB slabs which are strikingly similar (if not the same) to the ones NGC use. Much better for viewing the coins than the quadrams in my opinion. Re-usable and apparently made from coin friendly materials.

I didn't know about them and thanks for mentioning. They do look nice as they allow the edge of the coin to be viewed. And yes, they do look very much like ngc slab.

My major worry is that they are made in china and not by a manufacturer I have heard of. Quadrums are made by Leuchtturm / Lighthouse and one can be confident that they use inert materials. How can you be so certain that the PCCB materials are safe with coins in the long term? I think all the sellers are in China  and counterfeits (using inferior materials) can be a potential problem. 

 

[PWA 1967 2,035]

Dont no if its a marketing thing but the quadrums have not been out long and now sell one called Quadrum intercept .

Pete.

 

Edited April 26, 2017 by PWA 1967

[Sword 1,380]

I think Quadrum Intercept is the more expensive version which is supposed to prevent  the coin in the slab from tarnishing (for up to 15 years). They are claiming that the foam "neutralizes harmful atmospheric substances inside the capsule, so that the coin is stored in a non-corrosive micro-climate."

For now, I think I will stick with the standard version as I only collect silver and not bronze. 

[youliveyoulean 24]

you mention using inferior materials for the pccb slabs - i'm pretty sure ngc will source their basic slabs from china or the like, then modify the slab in some tiny way when received so that they can claim it was "made in the usa" for their own purposes.

can't think of a reason why the makers of the slabs in china would use different materials. it's already very cheap stuff and like I mentioned, the slabs are VERY similar. 

[Sword 1,380]

What I am concerned is the lack of quality control. You can be 100% sure that NGC get their plastic slabs from a reliable manufacture (whether in China or USA). NGC would undoubtedly be testing their slabs regularly to make sure they are up to standard. Otherwise, they would have to compensate if coins are damaged by harmful substances due to the degradation of plastic slabs. They can't afford to take that risk.

I had a look on the web and it seems that the only places you can buy PCCB slabs are ebay and AliExpress. No one will take responsibility if things go wrong and so there is little incentive for quality control.

Rather unfortunately, there is a profit for using inferior materials and faking even the cheapest of objects.

You are not probably aware of a scandal a few years ago in China when people were selling ... wait for it ... fake chicken eggs. They look like the real thing too. Each fake egg can be made at half the price of a real egg.

http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/11/06/how-to-make-a-rotten-egg/

I am not trying to scare you and the PCCB slabs are probably fine. But I just want to be cautious. 

[PWA 1967 2,035]

Fake eggs....I have heard it all now 

[youliveyoulean 24]

If you are that cautious about storing your coins, then perhaps something of proven archival quality is for you - look up saflips or something similar. you can heat seal these yourself. this won't eliminate the risk of scratches and dinks entirely.

As for the eggs, well anything tastes good with bacon 

 

 

 

 

[Sword 1,380]

Pay your money and make your choice. I am currently very happy with quadrum and so I don't need to look any further at present.