Most collectors have a few techniques for time, or cost, saving. So, post your tips here. Don't assume "that is too simple" or "everyone knows that". Once you didn't know that, even if you do now.
To get started here are three;
•To remove paper dust from 2x2 holders (you don't want those pesky little flecks in with the coin) grab the puffer from a camera lens cleaning kit. Works a treat.
•Acetone is very volatile (evaporates rapidly). So, if giving coins a soak in acetone, use a container with a tight fitting lid (Tupperware type food containers are good) or put some cling wrap over the container. Reduces the loss substantially. And, don't sit it in a hot location.
•If you can get your hands on 1½x1½ coin holders -hard to find in Australia- they fit neatly into 30 pocket album pages. 50% more coins in the same space. Largest size is 30.5mm which suits florins and 20¢.
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I look forward to seeing your bright ideas now.
Jeff
PS. Thanks to Nancy for originally giving me the tip on the smaller holders.
This is my trick for removing a dollar such as the new Holey Dollar gallery press coin from it's card.
Removing Dollars (http://www.australian-threepence.com/blog/2009/05/tips-and-tricks-how-to-remove-an-unc-1-from-mintmark-folder.html)
(http://www.australian-threepence.com/images/remove-dollar-from-folder-2.jpg)
If using 2x2 albums, Always store them flat.
It prevents damage to the binder and the pages, also the coins stay centralised in the 2x2's this way
I was going to ask about storage but this will do, thanks Jeff :good:
Well I was wondering what people use and why and why they might not use something else and what do you think is best or you like. I like the stackable trays that take 2x2's but it's a very dear set up so for now a I use these (http://i49.tinypic.com/k12kud.jpg)
I did use these but found they mark and damage the coins to much (http://i47.tinypic.com/2vv290z.jpg)
Oh andthe biggest pain with my current set up is looking at the coins is a pain but better than damaging them :)
and see all the marks on the plastic sleeves..not good :( so it's only junk that go in them now but what a waste of money
Spit on your finger when using silicone and it helps stop the silicone sticking to your finger :blink:
If you're using SAFLIPs to store small coins and you've got a heat sealer it's quite possible to store more than one coin in a flip safely. Just seal the coins in their own little "compartment". PPH does it quite a bit and it works really well.
Those pages shown above are pvc. They need to find the rubbish bin.
If you can't afford to buy storage boxes for your 2x2's, try cutting down some A4 paper boxes. These are just the right size to store 4 rows of 2x2 snuggly. I use extra packing in each row to stop them from moving, until the row is filled. My 2x2 are stapled and I can fit about 500 per box. If they were self stick 2x2, you could fit more in. There is no problem with staples scratching other coins as I am the only one that goes near these boxes and I remove and replace very carefully.
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If you are using stapled 2x2's and storing them this way or similar keep the same size holed one's together so at least if the staple rubs it's rubbing cardboard and not the coin. ie 3d in small holed holder staples will scratch a penny in a holder with a large hole. This might help minimize accidental staple damage....oorrrrrrrrrr.....
the best stapler ever is a flat clinch stapler, no need to squash with pliers or hammer staples down as the IS Wright here in Adelaide does.
That's why only junk goes in them now or stuff that doesn't matter if it gets damaged any more..bloody PVC they should be shot for sellin it..say helllo to my little friend :Gigakach_01:
I must look for one of these stapler, thanks PP :good:
Quote from: 'Triggersmob' pid='6838' dateline='1358668772'If you can't afford to buy storage boxes for your 2x2's, try cutting down some A4 paper boxes. These are just the right size to store 4 rows of 2x2 snuggly. I use extra packing in each row to stop them from moving, until the row is filled. My 2x2 are stapled and I can fit about 500 per box. If they were self stick 2x2, you could fit more in. There is no problem with staples scratching other coins as I am the only one that goes near these boxes and I remove and replace very carefully.
nice set up there
i also have a couple of old kodak slide cases
i can fit a few hundred coins in them and they look nice
one case has rows
the other case has rows of sections - great for my odd shaped medallions and so on
i also pop the coin date on the little 'crown' raised section of the coin holder so I can see the year when I flip through the rows
I found some polished wooden slide boxes also for the stuff I do not have in Dansco Supremes.! (No problems at all with either storage system):thank_you:
Are you doing some noodling and have lots of rolls to open?
This works for me;
1. Find a pair of side cutters and grab the edge of the roll beside the end of the wrapper.
2. Lever edge up to tear all thicknesses of paper. Be careful not to nip the coin -side cutters will easily take a bite from the coin (trust me, I know).
3. Hold roll firmly between thumb and fingers, grasp edge of tear and pull down (and slightly around).
4. Roll should tear readily and all the coins drop into your hand in a nice row. Hint: quickly inspect the edges in case you have been lucky enough to score a collar error.
If you are sinistral then you may be more comfortable making the starter tear on the left of the wrapper end with the roll the other way up.
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Jeff
PS. I am dextral except using an axe, pick, sledge hammer or similar. Never knew until someone saw me chopping wood and commented "I didn't realise you are left handed".
I do a similar thing with the rolls but use a sharp/pointy knife
Instead. Havent damaged a coin yet.
What's wrong with smashing the roll on the side edge of a table like they do in the shops?
Just kidding, you don't have to evict me. LOL
Have you seen what it does to the table? Never mind the coins.
Following on from comments about storage...
Here are some plastic boxes I purchased at Jaycar a few years ago.
[attachment=1110]
Too low to close lid with 2x2s but I just throw the lids away and slice off the hinges. They have removable dividers too.
A quick check of the catalogue shows they don't seem to be available now. However they have a range of storage boxes and parts drawers. This one look like might be good for 2x2s Small 6 Bin Parts Rack Cabinet (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HB6317)
Anticipating that someone might ask for a photo of my coin desk (just a glimpse in first picture) I also took a shot of that. Usually looks about this state of semi-organised disarray.
[attachment=1111]
Now, I have shown you mine; you must show me yours.
Jeff
Wow JeffH, wait till I show this to the Minister of Finance- she will never give me grief again.!!:icon_e_surprised:
:yahoo::wavemulticolor::yahoo:
So i am not the ONLY one with stuff scattered everywhere:angel:
Remember this Jeff " A tidy shed is a sign of NO work being done"
Organised disorganisation is Just a GOOD thing in my book :good: :dance2:
We used to say about a previous boss of mine "Tidy desk=anal retentive". But not to his face.
A tidy desk is sign of a sick mind. :angel:
Quote from: 'Nevol' pid='7222' dateline='1359100753'A tidy desk is sign of a sick mind. :angel:
I LOVE that analogy Nancy :yahoo:
Quote from: 'Nevol' pid='7222' dateline='1359100753'A tidy desk is sign of a sick mind. :angel:
That's a worry, as my desk is always tidy, both at work and home.
I'm also the busiest person at work, with the most sales.
I think the tidyness is just a Virgo thing.
Astrology is bunk (I actually had to go to Google to find the term). But I do know I am virgo.
Off course I could have a sick mind and still be untidy. Nevol's statement does not preclude that possibility.
So, what is a "Virgo thing"?
Jeff
hey Jeff
great snap of you rwork station
i love those sorts of pics
mine is similar i.e. very 'busy'
but I also have china dolls on display on it as well - just to girlie it up
i have to clear the decks though if I have a big penny lot to sort - the dolls are quite fragile
i'm obviously not a Virgo ha ha
Virgo's are supposed to have a place for everything and everything in its' place. Yeah, well, I'm a Virgo and I certainly have a place for everything, but when I go look, there's usually nothing there! So much for Astrology!
Quote from: 'Nevol' pid='7261' dateline='1359120780'Virgo's are supposed to have a place for everything and everything in its' place.
Yep! That's me. :)
Mind you, it could be CDO.
It's similar to OCD, but the letters are in order, as they should be! LOL
As far as desk go, I am lucky enough to have 2 of them.
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Looking at a post with several links and want to open more than one link?
If you click on a link it opens a new tab for the link and jumps to that. Then you have to go back to open the next link.
Quicker (saves maybe 2 seconds!) and more convenient way is to right click on link and select "open in new tab).
Jeff
Post coins in "letters" if less than 500g and save on postage costs.
From Australia Post's Post Charges booklet;
"Small letters include enveloped mail, lettersheets and unenclosed postcards.
A small letter is:
• no larger than 130mm x 240mm This is well worth thinking about.
• no thicker than 5mm
• no heavier than 250g.
A large letter is:
• rectangular in shape • no heavier than 500g
• no larger than 260mm x 360mm • not a small letter.
• no thicker than 20mm"
Notice, no mention of what can be contained. Some AP counter staff think that letters should be in envelopes and only contain paper. If you encounter this attitude ask for a copy of the booklet and then ask them to show where in it their understanding is confirmed. I have had that happen; a senior person is consulted, who then over-ruled the staff member in my favour! But, stay very polite.
When I get some more time I will amplify on this post. But, one thing; if using an envelope. put sticking tape diagonally across and around each corner. The letter handling machinery in prone to catching corners of heavier letters and tearing them.
Jeff
PS. The postage rule don't allow you to use this trick with international post. Paper only is allowed in letters "maybe a staple is acceptable too.
Looks like a serious operation you've got going there Jeff
Just a hobby.
You do believe me don't you?
Wait 'til you see my new coin photo setup. Only exists in my head at present!!!
I am thinking of doing a little repatriation too.
Aus. coins obviously aren't well enough appreciated In USA.
Jeff
I love your passion Jeff. For me it is day 4 of waiting for my new lens to arrive.!
I have a very average collection of pre-decimals but imo that is no reason to send them to the prom. presented with any less glitter than the best of them.!
Will follow your setup with interest.!:idea:
JUst a couple of "innovations" I'm very happy with.
This is a holder I made for the USB microscope. LIke everyone I wasn't happy with the supplied stand so made a holder that screws straight onto the enlarger stand. It takes me less than 30 seconds to screw the camera off and screw this holder on (1 wingnut). Total cost about $2.50 for the rubber fitting.
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Setup/IMG_2983_2_zps3894a7bf.jpg)[/img]
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Setup/IMG_2982_2_zpsea893276.jpg)[/img]
The second was something to angle the coin to the light to chase that elusive lustre. I got tired of pushing things under the background fabric trying to raise one side of the coin. THis allows me to angle it in any direction to about 30 degrees. Total cost $2.79 plus postage. It's a tripod ballhead screwed between 2 pieces of timber.
(//%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Setup/IMG_2984_2_zpse91411bb.jpg)[/img]
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u20/Steveqld/Setup/IMG_2985_2_zps4f0198a6.jpg)
Sorry about the size of the pics. I thought I changed them in Elements to a max size of 4 inches but obviously not.
Good ideas with low cost solutions are great.! Still waiting for my lens (going stir crazy) but filling in time with sorting etc. Looking forward to some post invention photos.!:idea:
Love the ballhead angle idea. Good stuff.
Love the setup... One part I recognised is the rubber from the cistern to the toilet me thinks............I hope that was a new one?
Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='8085' dateline='1360561403'Love the setup... One part I recognised is the rubber from the cistern to the toilet me thinks............I hope that was a new one?
The sign of a home handyman. Yes and Yes (although everything else I had laying around the house).
Here is a trick for coins that have rotated in their slab / holders.
On the long length of the slab, tap it against a hard surface. I put a cloth down to not break the slab, but after I found the coin was moving in the right direction, I was able to get it back to upright. Saves the monstrous cost of sending a single coin back to PCGS for reholder.
Before
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After
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-rob