What Coin Storage Method is Best for Your Coin Collection? - BCW Supplies - Blog (2024)

There are several methods for storing a coin collection. Some collectors use coin folders or albums listing all of the years, mints, and special series of a coin. Those systems are excellent if your goal is to collect each of the coins in a series. If your goal is to protect individual coins or a larger collection, BCW Supplies has several storage solutions.

BCW coin supplies are sized for American coins. For coins from other nations, or commemorative coins, tokens, or chips, please compare the diameter of your coin to the US coin diameters listed below. The diameter of the opening in the BCW coin holders are slightly larger than these USA coins so the coins fit in the holders properly.

Coin Flips are a very common storage solution for coins, as this method is affordable and reliable. Unfolded, Paper Flips are 4″ x 2″, which are folded to 2″ x 2″, with the coin sandwiched between the layers (the exception are 2.5″ x 2.5″ Paper Flips for larger Eagle/Crown coins). The circular die-cut hole is covered by a thin polyester (Mylar) which is an acid-free, archival-safe material.

BCW offers two varieties of paper flips. In both instances, the paper and polyester are almost identical. The difference in the styles are the closure technique. The first closure method is to staple the paper flip close with the enclosed coin. These are our traditional Paper Flips. The second closure method is a Peel-n-Seal Paper Flip system, using an adhesive to keep the flip closed. This version eliminates the need for staples and the potential of scratching a coin against a staple.

To further organize coins placed in 2″ x 2″ flips, some collectors prefer to place the flips in clear pocket pages and then in 3-ring binders. Other collectors prefer to store the paper flips in coin boxes.

For coin protection that’s thicker than paper flips, BCW offers 2″ x 2″ Coin Snaps. These are two layers of crystal-clear polystyrene that press together. A form insert sits between the plastic to center the coin. The foam is black, with white paper adhered to one side, so you can write on the white label if desired. To store a collection of coins in Coin Snaps, BCW offers Single Row, and Double Row Coin Boxes.

The next coin storage method is a Coin Display Slab. Coin Slabs are similar to the Coin Snaps as they also have two layers of polystyrene that press together, however the Coin Slabs are larger. The slabs have a header space where you can place a label describing the coin. For our Display Slabs, the foam inserts to hold the coins are sold separately. To store a collection of coins in BCW Display Slabs, our Slotted Display Slab Coin Box will hold 20 slabs.

To store a stack of coins, BCW Coin Tubes are a popular choice. These are clear plastic with a screw cap. For each respective coin, these tubes hold the same amount of coins as held in coin roll wrappers.