storage – American Coin Stash

Peel-N-Seal Cardboard Coin Flip Review: No More Staples!

The Peel-N-Seal products are meant to replace traditional 2×2 cardboard flips. A regular cardboard flip requires staples to be secured, BCW created a brand of self-adhesive coin flips.

Here is the version I will be reviewing, the 2″x2″ flips for half dollars. These were purchased on Amazon.

BCW Peel-N-Seal Self-Adhesive 2×2 Coin Flips for Half Dollars 100ct

How to Use Peel and Seal Coin Flips:

1.) Pick a coin in the right size to go in the flip.

BCW Self Adhesive Cardboard Flip for Half Dollars — 1963 Franklin Half under a BCW Peel-N-Seal Flip

2.) Remove the sticker protecting the adhesive.

Peeling Adhesive — Peel up the adhesive. I have longer nails, so this was no problem.

3.) Center coin on one of the windows.

Center Coin on Flip — Center coin on one side of the flip. It is helpful to use a flat surface.

4.) Press firmly around all edges.

5.) Finished!

1963 Franklin Half Dollar in cardboard flip — Tah-dah! Perfectly sized.

Benefits:

There are several benefits to using self-adhesive coin flips.

First, it is much easier and faster to use the self-adhesive coin flips than stapling. With a regular coin flip you have to use at least 2 staples to secure the coin.

Without staples, the flips can lay flat together! When you have many traditional coin flips, the staples prevent the cardboard from laying flat, so the flips do not look organized together.

Size comprison stacked BCW Staple Free Peel n Seal — Comparing sizes of stapled flips vs. staple free flips.

Another drawback of using staples is that the staples can damage the coin. Whether the staple is rubbing against the coin in it’s own cardboard flip, or stabbing a coin in the flip behind it, small scratches diminish a coin’s value.

One great thing is that there is more room for labeling. Coin collectors like cardboard flips because you can write the coins denomination, year, and mint mark on the cardboard so that it is easy to quickly catalogue coins. Without the pesky staples, coin collectors have more room for writing on the Peel-N-Seal flips.

Drawbacks:

One of the biggest drawbacks is the price, Press-n-Seal coin flips can be 50% to 100% more expensive than traditional coin flips. It is really up to you whether the time saved is worth the cost. If you go through many coin flips, the price could really add up.

I purchased 100 ‘Self Adhesive Peel-N-Seal’ coin flips for half dollars. If I was going to redo my purchase I would probably use these flips for pennies, nickels, or dimes. Since half-dollars are heavier, I am worried about the half dollars falling out of the flips, particularly when the adhesive begins to age.

The company, BCW, says on their website that they use archival polyester for the window, but no mention is made of the adhesive. In the long-term, the glue used to hold the cardboard together could potentially lead to toning on the coins.

Since BCW specializes in coin supplies, I assume they put thought into the type of adhesive used and how it could affect the coins, but it is not addressed on their website.

I saw several reviews online saying that some people found the adhesive was not working on half-dollar coin flips, but I have not found this to be the case. One reviewer mentioned having to use a lot of force to keep the coin in the holder and that was not my experience at all.

I pushed the coin in securely around the window to keep it in, but I did not have to fight with the coin to keep it down. Perhaps the company made changes to the design since that review was posted?

Out of the 6 BCW flips I have used so far, I had one that was misaligned. Removing the coin from the misaligned flip was more difficult than I expected. Here is a photo of the misaligned coin below, the obverse is centered, but the reverse is off.

I thought I would be able to peel the coin open from the adhesive layer, but after only a minute in the flip, it was glued tight, so I reverted to tearing it open. (You could use scissors if you are careful not to knick the coin.)

Tearing Flip Removing Coin From Cardboard Flip Adhesive — Tearing the flip open.

So this could definitely be a drawback. If you move coins out of flips often, it is much easier to use a regular coin flip and a staple remover. On the other-hand, I am much more confident in the quality of the adhesive after this!

Comparing BCW Peel and Seal to regular cardboard flips.

This is a really useful tool for coin storage. The BCW coin flips have much thinner cardboard, plus since they are staple-free, they lie much flatter.

Here is a comparison of a standard, stapled penny flip on the left with an adhesive cardboard flip on the left. The Press-N-Seal flip is about 30% thinner.

Comparison Thickness Standard Flip vs BCW Adhesive Flip — Standard Cardboard Flip vs a Self Adhesive

Using the image I used earlier, look at how the smaller width transfers to a much cleaner and more organized look than traditional staples.

Now, to be fair, I have been using regular paper staples on my coin flips. A reader pointed out that you can purchase staplers that staple flat. I asked for his flat stapler recommendation, and he recommended this one:

Max Flat Clinch Light Effort Stapler, 35-Sheet Capacity

Final Thoughts:

I like these more than I expected to. These cardboard coin flips look very clean and organized and that is a big plus for me. I would prefer to use these with pennies, and coins that are less valuable to me.

Aligning the coins is a little frustrating, but I have the same problem with traditional stapling coin flips.

Overall I would recommend giving these a try. If you do decide to purchase Peel-n-Seal coin flips, it would help support my site if you use my Amazon Affiliate link, the small advertising revenue allows me to continue writing reviews and informational articles on American Coin Stash.

Click here to be redirected to Amazon >>

Share a comment below and vote in our poll!

February 1, 2021February 15, 2021

Coreen1 Comment

Are Stash Cans Better Than A Safe For Storing Silver And Gold?

Stash cans are hollowed out cans meant to resemble household products. The idea is that a burglar is unlikely to check a can for a false bottom, so your stuff will be safer in a diversion stash can than in an actual safe.

Yes, a diversion stash canister can be safer than a safe box in the right conditions.

For example, the first safe I ever bought was a small SentrySafe:

While a SentrySafe may be good for organization or keeping my coins safe from small fires, if a thief saw this safe, they could easily pick it up and walk away with it! If anything, a small safe like this only draws attention to the fast that there are valuables inside.

There are other small safes with cords that can be attached to the wall, but a prepared burglar could easily cut through the cord.

The best part about a diversion can is that a thief is unlikely to check all the cans in your house for fakes. If you are smart enough to store your diversion can with real cans, it is unlikely to be found. Most burglars are only in a house for a few minutes looking for easy to grab valuables like TV’s and jewelry.

Best Diversion Cans for Storing Gold and Silver:

The two most important things to look for in a diversion can for gold and silver storage is how accurately it resembles the product it is meant to emulate, and if it can hold 1oz coins.

Below are my top picks of diversion safes. All have their strengths and drawbacks, but fit the criteria of looking accurate and being large enough for one ounce rounds of silver or gold.

Peanut Butter Stash Safe:

Fake Peanut Butter Secret Safe Diversion

I like this Peanut Butter stash safe for its size and because it is weighted. This safe would be great for storing gold and silver because it could hold more than the average hollowed out Coke can.

The best part of this safe is the wide lid. You could fit your entire hand in this safe and easily get all of your gold, silver, and coins.

I wish it had a more recognizable brand, but it does look like a peanut butter jar from a discount store. The label even includes nutrition facts!

I think the size and quality of this safe are quite good. Someone scanning your pantry is unlikely to pick this out as a safe. Although, it may not be good for hiding valuables from anyone looking for a midnight snack 😉

Water Bottle Diversion Safe:

Diversion Bottle Safe Secret Container Dasani Bottled Water

This Dasani Water Bottle Diversion Safe has some of the best reviews on Amazon.

It is wide enough to hold several 1oz rounds, but it is fairly short since most of it is filled with water. You could hold at least 5 or 6 single ounce rounds of silver in this can.

This canister definitely is the most realistic out of any of the diversion safes I found, unfortunately it is not very large. Luckily, you could purchase several of these Dasani water bottle diversion cans and it would create an even more realistic illusion.

The Classic Book Safe:

Real Paper Transfer Book Safe (Les Miserables-Combination)

The book safe is a bit overdone, but can be effective. The problem with most book safes is that it is that many of them are poorly made. The best part about these book safes is that they use real paper instead of plastic. If someone quickly checked the sides of this book it would not be easy to tell it was fake.

Get a book for the cover that is usually large. The dictionary and Bible are too commonly hollowed out, so I would stay away from those for storage. I like the Les Mis option with this brand since Les Miserables is already a very large book.

You can also pick Pride and Prejudice or Alice in Wonderland, but since neither of those books are usually very large it may make the diversion safe stand out more than it should.

A Fake Vent Safe:

Diversion Safe Stash – With RFID Hidden Compartment

The fake vent certainly beats all the other safes in terms of size. This could store all your silver and gold and likely much more.

This safe does require installation, so make sure you have a spot in your house between two studs where this can fit. It may also be beneficial to put it behind a small shelf or nightstand to make it less visible.

Someone may be able to realize this vent is fake if they are looking closely enough, but since it requires a RFID card to open, they will be unable to open it without removing it from the wall or likely making a lot of noise.

The Corn Can Stash Safe:

Del Monte Can Diversion Safe Stash Box

This one is great cause you could easily grab 2 or 3 and keep them in the back of your pantry with some other corn cans and no one would ever know.

It is not weighted, but if you are storing heavy items like gold and silver, that is likely not an issue for you. You can put cloth or packing peanuts around your coins to prevent them from rattling in the can when lifted.

Unlike hollowed out Coke and Pringles cans, the corn can is easier to get your hand inside.

I hope this article was helpful! Leave a comment and vote in our poll below!

I am an Amazon Affiliate, so I earn a commission on sales made through my links. This does not increase the price of any item linked through my site. My main goal is to inform. Thank you for supporting my website!

January 29, 2021February 1, 2021

Coreen2 Comments

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.

1962D Quarter not fitting in the folder.

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

Pressing a 2020 Quarter in to widen the hole.

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.

Using my thumb to press the coin out from behind.

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.

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.

The Inside Of A Franklin Half Dollar Album

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate, so I earn a commission on sales made through my links. This does not increase the price of any item linked through my site. My main goal is to inform.

January 21, 2021

Coreen3 Comments

Vintage Belt Change Dispensers: What Were They Used For and Where Are They Now?

Featured Image Courtesy of Wikipedia.

In older movies, you may have noticed bus drivers or train conductors giving people change with a funny little contraption on their belt.

These changer dispensers were made to attach to belts and make it easy to dispense coins. The user pulls a lever corresponding to a barrel with a denomination, and the coin falls from the bottom into their hand.

The portable coin dispenser was invented by Jacques L. Galef. I couldn’t find the exact year these were invented, but the earliest patent I found by Galef for his coin change machine was from 1921.

How do belt change dispensers work?

The mechanism is incredibly simple. It doesn’t require any batteries or other electronics.

The level is attached to a spring. When the lever is pulled, the spring pulls on the bottom of the barrel, with enough room for exactly one coin to fall through.

When you run out of coins, you simply undo a clasp the top and put coins back in! It’s that simple.

How many coins could wearable coin dispensers hold?

On average, most dispensers hold about 1 roll worth of each coin denomination. This means:

$10 in Quarters – 40 Quarters
$5 in Dimes – 50 Dimes
$2 in Nickels – 40 Nickels
$0.50 in Pennies – 50 Pennies
For a total of $17.50

Are clip on belt coin dispensers still used?

Yes!

The Advantus Four-Barrel Money Changer on Amazon has hundreds of reviews from users! And since Amazon was founded in 1994, I very much doubt there are all from train-ticket collectors.

The Advantus Portable Change Dispenser. Click the Image to be Redirected to Amazon.

Looking through the reviews it seems like the most common way these are used today is people keeping them in their car. That’s a really great way to keep coins organized and easily accessible. No more fumbling around for change at the Drive Thru!

One woman even uses it for her job at Sonic. She commended the money changer for never dropping change or getting jammed.

Others keep them as part of their hobby. They are a really eye-catching piece to have in your house. Although these aren’t vintage, it does act as a great reproduction.

This coin dispenser holds:

$9.50 in Quarters – 38 Quarters
$5.60 in Dimes – 56 Dimes
$1.85 – 37 Nickels
$0.49 in Pennies – 49 Pennies
For a total of $17.44

I like these coin dispensers a lot! I think they have a really interesting antique look. I’d love to see more businesses incorporating these into their shops.

This would be a great addition to a hipster coffee shop. 😂

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn ad revenue from purchases made through Amazon links on my site. This does not increase the price of items linked through my site. My purpose is to inform.

January 5, 2021

CoreenLeave a comment

What To Do If A Coin Has Bronze Disease?

Bronze disease, also known as copper rot, is not a disease, but a chemical reaction forming on the surface of a coin. It is common on ancient coins, but can also appear on modern coins.

When chloride comes into contact with copper or bronze it can begin a chemical reaction that damages the copper by turning it into green cupric chloride.

How to identify bronze disease?

Bronze disease creates fuzzy green or white colors on the surface of the coin. The green coloration can range from a neon green to a dark forest green.

Bronze disease should come off when scratched with a toothpick or fingernail.

Bronze disease will also likely only appear on a couple places on the coin. If the green does not appear in patches, but all around the coin you may have verdigris.

What is verdigris?

Verdigris looks very similar to bronze disease, however, verdigris is non-damaging and sometimes considered desirable for coins.

The Statue of Liberty’s coloring comes from Verdigris!

To tell if you have verdigris or bronze disease you will check three things:

1.) Does the green coloring come off when scratched?
2.) Is the green color patchy instead of evenly covering the coin?
3.) Are there white spots on the coin as well?

If you answered yes to two or more, then you more likely have bronze disease not verdigris.

What to do if a coin has bronze disease?

First, move your infected copper coin away from your other coins. Bronze disease can be transferred if the coins come in contact with each other.

Unfortunately, there are no easy cures for bronze disease and no way to reverse the damage done. You can help slow the spread by keeping the coin as dry as possible. Try keeping the coin preserved near silica gel or rice to absorb moisture in the air.

This website on ancient coins offers several remedies to slow the spread of bronze disease. You can click here to be redirected.

How to prevent bronze disease on your coins?

The best way to prevent bronze disease it to keep your coins dry. Don’t keep your coins in the bathroom or attic where they may be exposed to high humidity.

Wisedry 50 Gram [6PACKS] Rechargeable Silica Gel Desiccant Packets Fast Reactivate

If you live in an area with high, year-round humidity, buy some packets of silica gel to keep with your coins. For a quick fix, you could fill teabags with rice to help absorb moisture.

For helpful tips on coin storage and handling, as well as recommended product links check out this article on proper coin storage and handling.

Share any questions or comments below!

December 30, 2020May 15, 2021

Coreen1 Comment