The Only Correct Way to Store Collectible Coins

Ideal Conditions: Storage in a 'Suspended' State

There is a coin storage method that ensures their maximum preservation for many years. It involves placing a coin not just in a plastic capsule, but in a special silicone insert with prongs. These grips clasp the edge and rim of the coin on three or four sides, holding it securely.

After being secured in the insert, the coin is placed into a capsule. Thanks to this design, it ends up in a 'suspended' state. This completely eliminates any mechanical damage: the coin does not rattle, does not hit the capsule walls, and does not come into contact with other specimens in storage.

This method not only looks very presentable but also creates ideal conditions for long-term storage. It is considered the only one that truly deserves attention, while other options, such as albums or regular holders, do not provide an adequate level of protection.

The Main Secret: How to Choose the Correct Insert Size

The key aspect of this method is selecting the correct size for the silicone insert. Each insert is marked with its inner diameter. It is easy to make a mistake during selection, which can lead to damaging the coin or making the insert unusable.

The first common mistake is buying an insert with a diameter more than half a millimeter smaller than the coin's diameter. In this case, it will be nearly impossible to fit the coin into the flexible prongs without using excessive force.

The second mistake is choosing an insert whose diameter exactly matches the coin's diameter. For example, for a Morgan dollar with a 38.1 mm diameter, a 38 mm insert might be chosen. In this case, the fit will be insecure, and the coin will simply fall out of the holder.

The Golden Rule and Size Chart

To avoid mistakes and ensure a perfect fit, you must follow one simple rule. The diameter of the silicone insert must be exactly 0.5 millimeters smaller than the diameter of the coin itself. Only this size difference guarantees that the coin will sit securely and snugly in the holder.

This rule is universal for most coins. Knowing the exact diameter of your collectible specimen, you can easily select a suitable insert and capsule for it.

For clarity, here are some examples of correct size selection for some popular coins.

The only difficulty is that most of these silicone inserts are designed for standard capsules with an outer diameter of 52 mm.

Complete Preservation: Sealing the Capsule

Even when stored in a capsule, a coin is not safe from exposure to air, which can lead to the formation of patina over time. Often, patina first forms on the edge and then spreads to the field and relief of the coin.

To avoid this, complete preservation is necessary. After the coin is placed in the insert and enclosed in the capsule, the seam between the two halves of the capsule should be sealed. Regular adhesive tape is ideal for this purpose.

It is important to pre-cut a strip of tape to the correct width, so that it matches the thickness of the capsule's edge. Then, it should be carefully applied around the entire perimeter, tightly sealing the gap. Do not try to trim excess tape with scissors directly on the capsule, as this will inevitably lead to scratching the plastic.

Such sealing completely isolates the coin from the external environment and ensures its preservation for many years to come.