When choosing a coin holder, you should take into consideration the following aspects:
The Size of the Holder: Some coin holders can be very beautiful, but at the same time, occupy a lot of space. If you are trying to store your coin collection in a safe vault, this may take up more room than you have available. Cost: Some coin holders can be very expensive. Some coin holders can cost more than the coin is holding. However, if you want to remain consistent throughout your coin collection, this may be your only option. Style: Coin holders come in a variety of styles. Some are very inexpensive and are designed to hold coins only temporarily. Others can be very expensive or even custom-made. Durability: The durability of the coin holder is an important consideration. If you have low-cost coins and are looking for an inexpensive way to store them, then a cardboard holder may be the way to go. On the other hand, you should place an expensive coin in an encapsulated holder from a third-party grading company that guarantees its authenticity and grade.
Other sizes include 1.5 inches for smaller coins and 2.5 inches for large coins. Another brand uses adhesive to glue the holder shut. The primary disadvantage to the self-adhesive holders is the time it takes to assemble them. Additionally, you must be careful to make sure that the self-adhesive coin holders are acid-free to avoid corrosion or discoloring on your coins. Advantages: Ability to write identifying information on the holder, low-cost, organize and reorganize coins in 2x2 pages (see below), and the ability to view both sides of the coin. Disadvantages: Staples may scratch the coin when removed from the holder, and they are not airtight. They also come in sizes to hold 1.5-inch cardboard holders and 2.5-inch holders. Coin flips (see below) can also fit in these pages. Be sure to use a flat clinch stapler to avoid the bulging staples on the back of the holder. These can tear the plastic 2 x 2 pages when inserting or removing the coin. Additionally, if the staple is not flat, it can scratch the adjacent coin. Advantages: Low cost, ability to organize and reorganize your collections, and you can view both sides of your coins. Disadvantages: It can become very bulky for more extensive coin collections. Coin dealers most commonly use these because of their compact nature and their ability to be stored in long cardboard boxes that can be labeled and organized. Also, coin dealers can write inventory numbers, identifying information, and prices on the paper insert. This allows a coin collector to learn more about a coin before purchasing it. Advantages: Coin can be removed easily without damage, large area for description/catalog information, compact, and low cost. Disadvantages: It can be made with PVC, that can damage your coins. Coins can accidentally fall out. It is not the best option to display your coins. Advantages: First-rate protection, a wide variety of options and styles, can view both sides of the coin, and the coin cannot easily fall out. Disadvantages: Bulky to store, expensive, and nowhere to write identifying information. Advantages: Best protection available, guaranteed authenticity, and professional grading. Disadvantages: Expensive (average $30 or more per coin). The only way to remove the coin is to break the holder. Advantages: Some of the best protection for your coin and the ability to put identifying and catalog information inside the holder. Additionally, the holders are not permanently sealed. This allows you to remove the coin for inspection and place it back inside the holder. Disadvantages: Moderately expensive (approximately $1 to $2 per holder) Advantages: Ability to store a large number of coins in a small space. Disadvantages: Moderate cost ($.50 to $2 per tube), coins may be damaged from vibration, must remove the coins in order to view them.
