What Are the Types of Coin Holders?

Keeping your coin collection in coin holders not only keeps them organized, it also protects them from the elements, which can take away their beauty over time. There are several types of popular coin holders numismatics commonly use that are quite affordable to keep your coins safe.

Folders

There are dozens of coin folders designed for certain series or denominations of coins. From presidential quarters to American eagle silver dollars, coin folders are a great way to conveniently store your best coins. Folders dedicated to coin series have detailed descriptions of the coins, which makes the holder a great way to display the coins.

Clear Tubes

Clear tubes are a great way to store your "less valuable" coins such as older coins that may have been in circulation and not in pristine condition. Coins stored in a plastic coin tube will touch each other, so this type of holder is not recommended for uncirculated coins.

Coin Tubes

There are hard plastic tubes that store your coins in slots built into the tube. These are great for Morgan and Peace dollars or other coinage. The tubes have a hinged closure and also have two discs that slip over each end, making the seal tight. These tubes are great for keeping your coins from touching each other.

Plastic Holders

There are many kinds of plastic holders, which are the better choice for the higher-end coins in your collection. The coin slips into the holder, which then snaps together. The clear circular cutout in the holder allows the presentation of both the obverse and reverse of the coin.

Cardboard Holders

There are cardboard holders, sometimes called 2x2s, that are the popular choice for coin dealers to display their coins for sale. The holder's clear center allows the coin to be visible from both sides. The surrounding cardboard means the handler who is looking closely at the coin never touches it; oils and micro dirt particles on hands could ruin a coin over time.

Slabs for Valuable Coins

High-end coin collectors can send their coins to a professional grading company. The coin is given a grade based on a number of visual and technical criteria. The coin is then sealed in a heavy-duty clear plastic "slab" with a grading seal attached.