How to Properly Get Coins Into Whitman Coin Folders

If you have tried to complete a Whitman folder, then you know how hard it can be to fit coins into their respective slots. Some coins slide in easily, while others take minutes of pushing and shoving to still be not correctly in.

One of the golden rules of handling coins is not to touch the surface of the coin and only handle a coin by holding the rim. But how do you get a coin into a folder without touching the surface?

Using cotton gloves is recommended when you do have to touch the surface of the coin. This does not help you push the coin in, but it may give you confidence to put your fingers on the surface to get more leverage.

If the problem is that you cannot get enough leverage, or the hole seems too tight. I have a hack for getting coins in a folder that has been very successful for me.

Here is the best way to get coins into a coin folder:

1.) Take out the coin that does not fit properly.

Here is my 1962D silver quarter that will not fit properly into the album no matter how hard I try pushing with my thumb.

2.) Insert a new coin, and press it in with another object

I am using a 2020 Quarter to widen the hole just enough for my other quarter to fit. I used the edge of a plastic putty knife, but you can really use anything that gets you enough leverage on the coin since you don’t have to worry about damaging the surface.

A hammer, pencil, or cup would also work well to press the coin in.

Here is the 2020 quarter in a folder.

3.) Push the new coin out of the folder.

You can use your thumb on the back of the folder to gently push the coin out of its position. Try not to bend the cardboard during this part, just push the thin paper section behind the coin.

4.) Put the correct coin in.

Now I was able to put the correct 1962D Quarter in its slot with less force. Test how secure the coin is by flipping the folder upside-down and giving it a shake.

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It may seem silly to put so much thought into coins going into a Whitman folder, more often than not, Whitman folder coins will not be your best coins. If you want to prevent damage it should be in an Air-Tite container.

If folders are too difficult for you, you can get a Whitman coin album. The albums have a clear plastic surface that you pull back, and then drop the coin in. The other benefit of an album over a folder is that you can see the front and back of the coins.

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Share a comment below with any other tips or tricks you may have. Remember to vote in the poll below!

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