The Ultimate Guide to Safely Storing and Displaying Your Coin Collection

Building a coin collection can be an exciting hobby, but figuring out how to store and display your coins safely is important. Coins can be damaged over time if they’re not stored correctly, and you’ll also want a way to show them off! In this guide, we’ll talk about some popular methods for storing and displaying coins to help protect your collection while still making it easy to enjoy.

Coin Storage and Display Methods

Storage Method	Description	Pros	Cons
Whitman Folders	Blue cardboard books with slots for coins labeled by date and mint location.	Affordable and easy to find.	Limited protection; can cause coin damage over time.
Dansco-Style Albums	Albums with clear plastic covers on both sides of the coin, allowing you to see both sides while protecting from damage.	Good protection; displays both sides of coins.	More expensive; takes up more space.
Specialized Display Cases	Cases with glass lids for viewing coins while keeping them safe, often used for graded coins.	Great visibility and security.	Can be expensive; may not fit larger collections.
Picture Frames	Arranging coins inside a picture frame for decorative display.	Creative and visually appealing.	Limited protection; best for less valuable coins.
Custom Shelving Units	Custom-built shelves with drawers for displaying coins securely.	Unique and customizable.	Can require significant effort to build and secure.
Safes	Lockable storage for coins and albums, protecting against theft and environmental damage.	High security for valuable collections.	Can be costly; may take up space in your home.

Whitman Folders

Whitman folders are a simple, affordable way to start organizing your coins. These are blue cardboard books with slots for specific coins, labeled by date and mint location. They’ve been around since 1940 and are easy to find in stores. However, while they’re great for beginners, they don’t offer much protection for your coins over the long term.

Why Whitman Folders Aren’t Ideal for Long-Term Storage

Whitman folders are handy for organizing coins, but they don’t protect against the main threats to a coin’s condition: sunlight, heat, moisture, and oils from your hands. These elements can cause coins to tarnish or corrode, especially metals like copper. The folders also only let you view one side of a coin and don’t seal coins off from the air, which can lead to damage over time.

Here are some issues with Whitman folders:

• You have to push coins into the slots, which can spread oils from your fingers onto the surface of the coins.
• The folders can loosen over time, causing coins to fall out.
• The materials used in the folder can sometimes react with the metal in your coins.

Whitman folders are a good, affordable option for casual collectors or those with basic, everyday coins. But if you’re serious about preserving your collection, you might want to look for better options.

Dansco-Style Albums

For collectors who want to protect their coins better, Dansco-style albums are a step up. These albums are made with pages that have clear plastic covers on both sides, letting you see both the front and back of each coin. The plastic sheets also protect the coins from damage caused by light, moisture, and oils.

Benefits of Dansco Albums

Dansco albums are more expensive than Whitman folders (around $30 compared to $3), but they offer much better protection. They are great for collectors who want to keep their coins safe and viewable at the same time. The only downside is that these albums take up more space due to their bulkier design.

Specialized Display Cases

When your collection grows to include rare or high-value coins, you may want to look into specialized display cases. These cases usually have glass lids that allow you to view the coins while keeping them safe. This is especially useful for coins that have been graded and sealed in plastic holders by professional services.

Displaying Coins in Frames

Some collectors also like to create displays using picture frames. By carefully arranging coins inside a frame, you can make an interesting and unique display that serves as both decoration and conversation starter. However, this method is best for coins that aren’t in perfect condition, as framing doesn’t provide the same level of protection as albums or cases.

Custom Storage Solutions

If you want a truly unique way to store and show off your coins, custom shelving units with drawers may be the way to go. For instance, you could build a shelf with glass doors and drawers designed to hold upright, graded coins. This option not only looks great but can also provide added security if you install locks.

Speaking of security, it’s important to consider how safe your coins are. If you have a valuable collection, it might be worth investing in a professional security system or a safe. Large safes can even store your albums and other display items, keeping everything protected from both theft and environmental damage.

Conclusion

The best way to store your coin collection depends on the size and value of your coins. For beginners, Whitman folders are a fun and affordable way to get started, but more serious collectors should consider upgrading to Dansco albums or custom storage solutions for better protection. If you have high-end coins, specialized display cases or a secure safe may be the way to go. With the right storage, your coin collection will stay safe and look great for years to come.

EDUCAL Home

FAQ’s