Coin Folders Versus Coin Albums

coin collecting

Coin Folders Versus Coin Albums

Every coin collector has seen the coin folders and albums at the hobby shops or big coin shows. Beginning coin collectors will sit and stare, which is better, which do I need, which one ultimately should I buy? For the uneducated the choice is simple, the coin folder is dirt cheap in comparison to the coin album. Folders range from $ 4-$ 6 while albums usually start at $ 25. So why would anyone pay that much for something that at first glance does the same job? Let me tell you.

Advantages of using Coin Folders

Coin folders are the cheap and easy way to start storing your coin collection. It’s the way my dad first did it and it’s what I used when I was starting out. They are also super easy to use, simply flip it open, find the empty slot that matches the coin you have and insert. Sure it might take a little thumb muscle to get it snug in there, but still a super easy and simple process. Another advantage is that they look good; I personally really like the look of all my folders on the shelf in order of lowest denomination to highest.

Advantages of using Coin Albums

Coin albums are designed to offer superior protection. They are fitted a plastic covering so that each coin is snug and secure. Also, because they are individually fitted in plastic both sides of the coin are visible. Another point, if coin folders look good, coin albums look great. Coin albums are typically much higher quality made out of large 3 ring binders so the pages are removable.

Disadvantages of Coin Folders

The largest strike against coin folders is the problem of protection. If coins are left in folders too long they begin to discolor. This could potentially damage your collection irreversibly. Now, maybe if some of your coins were plucked from circulation in a less than perfect state to begin with this may not be such a big deal to you. However, if you plan to store your most prized possessions this is not the method many people would recommend.

Disadvantages of Coin Albums

The biggest problem with storing your entire collection in beautiful coin albums is simply price. For beginners or for those collecting on a budget this is a very large barrier. Another problem is complexity during the insertion of coins in to the album. Many a seasoned collector when using new album has been confounded by the sliding plastic covering.

Conclusion

The conclusion depends largely on your goal. If you plan to collect circulated coins as a side hobby then coin folders are probably just fine. However, if you plan to have long term storage of valuable coins and you can afford to spend a little on the album then a coin album is going to be the method of choice.

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