Gyroscopic Investing

Anyone bother using something like airtite individual holders on silver coins? It seems like a large expense relative to the value of the coin, as compared to gold, where the cost of the airtite is the same but the value of the coin is significantly higher. Then again, silver oxidizes much easier than gold and maybe the airtite will prevent oxidation?

Also, most of us won't have too much silver if we are true PP believers so for the small amount of silver we have, maybe it's a "fun" thing to have so you can handle the individual coins without getting oils and stuff on them or damaging them.

Yes.  If you are buying anything more than a bar or round it will provide you with protection on whatever numismatic premium you paid.  Sad part is, most bars and rounds cost have just as much premium as government bullion and no real numismatic value. (Of course I buy those stupid lunar pamp bars and hate myself for it)

One thing to look at is governments that airtite the bullion for you.  The Perth Mint and Chinese Pandas come in plastic containers.

Unless the silver coin has some numismatic value, stack 'em.  Junk US silver obviously used to ride around in pockets and purses, and an Airtite is overkill for anything else that circulated (unless it has numismatic value).

I wouldn't let them rattle around in a coffee can, but the modern plastic tubes work fine.

TripleB wrote: Anyone bother using something like airtite individual holders on silver coins? It seems like a large expense relative to the value of the coin, as compared to gold, where the cost of the airtite is the same but the value of the coin is significantly higher. Then again, silver oxidizes much easier than gold and maybe the airtite will prevent oxidation?

Also, most of us won't have too much silver if we are true PP believers so for the small amount of silver we have, maybe it's a "fun" thing to have so you can handle the individual coins without getting oils and stuff on them or damaging them.

A little background here first, I've dealt in numismatics for virtually my entire life. In addition, I've done a fair amount of research into how to store coins to prevent them from developing unattractive spots, toning etc.

1. Silver coins will tone eventually, unless they are sealed in an actual airtight holder. I have never heard of or seen an airtight coin holder. Airtites are not air tight, but they do help slow toning because less air and by extension humidity get to the coin. Even the holders used by the third party graders, known as slabs, are not airtight.

2. I wouldn't worry about toning on junk silver at all. Junk silver is 90% pure and as a result is more resistant to environmental contaminants. Also, the coins usually traded as junk such as franklins and roosevelts are collected almost exclusively at high mint state grades, in other words circulated ones have zero numismatic value with only a very few exceptions.

3. Silver eagles are a different beat because they are .999 fine. Silver of this purity can develop spots, toning, fingerprint etc. quite quickly. This is a huge problem for collectors of high grade examples, especially proofs, but for someone who is stacking them for an investment I wouldn't give it any effort. The one exception may be fingerprints, which can "impair" the coin thus reducing what SOME dealers will pay. Luckily, a 3-4 second dip in acetone (get the purer stuff from Home Depot, do not use nail polish remover!) will remove the oils that eventually etch themselves into the coin.


TL;DR version: don't worry about toning/spots/whatever on junk silver. Consider giving your silver eagles or other .999+ silver a quick 3-4 second acetone bath before throwing them in a Mylar flip. Avoid flips with PVC as the PVC will leach onto the coin and eventually cause bad green spots.

Early Cuyler wrote: A little background here first, I've dealt in numismatics for virtually my entire life. In addition, I've done a fair amount of research into how to store coins to prevent them from developing unattractive spots, toning etc.

What about for gold coins?

MachineGhost wrote:

Early Cuyler wrote: A little background here first, I've dealt in numismatics for virtually my entire life. In addition, I've done a fair amount of research into how to store coins to prevent them from developing unattractive spots, toning etc.

What about for gold coins?

The only issue that comes up with any regularity for gold coins is copper spotting. This is usually due to an improper alloy mixture and is hard to fix as a result. Fortunately, copper spotting is only an issue for collectors of extremely high grade collectible coins. I'd just toss my gold in some Mylar flips and call it a day.

How do you hold your coins that you dip in acetone? Gloved hands? Some type of pliers?

TripleB wrote: How do you hold your coins that you dip in acetone? Gloved hands? Some type of pliers?

I've always used a pair of latex gloves. Just remember two things, use pure acetone (ie not nail polish remover) and that acetone is highly flammable.

Good luck and feel free to pm with any questions you may have