Good afternoon to both my fellow collectors and you newcomers to the world of numismatics. If you’re new to coins, today we’ll discuss coin folders (sometimes called coin books) and coin albums. We get coin folders (books) and coin albums in our shop in Palos Verdes, CA almost every day.
If you’re a coin collector who is anything like me, you love the thrill of the hunt for that rare coin to add to your collection. One essential tool for any serious coin enthusiast is the humble coin album, also known as coin folders or coin books. These blue booklets with holes for your coin treasures are more than just a handy storage solution—they’re a journey through the collector’s journey. In this guide, we’ll explain coin albums, explore their types, and popular brands. We’ll look at commonly collected coins that find their way into coin folders and coin albums, and discuss what to do with them. We’re here to help whether you’re looking to fill them up or pass them on.
Why We Love Coin Folders and Coin Albums: The Serious Collector’s Best Friend
Coin albums aren’t just for beginners…
Coin albums aren’t just for beginners; they’re a staple in the collections of serious enthusiasts. They offer a structured approach to collecting, helping you visualize your progress and identify the missing pieces of the puzzle. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these albums provide a tangible goal to work towards, making the hunt even more rewarding.
What to Do with an inherited estate collection that includes coin folders and coin albums? Bring Them By, We’ll Guide You!
If you’ve inherited coin albums and simply need advice on the next steps, bring it by our PV coin shop! We are always stoked to help you navigate the world of coin collecting. We assist people from the South Bay every day with identifying coins and their coins’ conditions. We appraise and evaluate collections every day, and almost every day there’s a coin folder, coin book or coin album we get to buy.
If you’re a collector looking for tips on how to fill those remaining holes, we want to talk to you, too! We love working with collectors and helping them fill those empty holes.
Types of Coin Folders / Coin Albums / Coin Books
Coin Folders aka Coin Books: The Affordable Starter
Often used interchangeably with coin folders, the term coin book refers to the more affordable, cardboard-slot booklets. They’re perfect for casual collectors or those on a budget. We get lots of coin folders coming into our shop. We buy these almost every time they’re offered by serious collectors.
- Description: More budget-friendly, featuring cardboard slots for coins.
- Advantages: Easy on the wallet, great for beginners, offers a structured and satisfying collecting experience.
- Best For: New collectors, those on a budget, or for less valuable coin series.
Some advanced collectors like folders for the toning they give their coins.
Of course, don’t confuse these “coin books” with numismatic references, also called coin books. Some of the most popular include the venerable Red Book, which includes a current relative valuation of all U.S. coin issues, including popular varieties.
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Coin Folders aka Coin Books: The Affordable Starter
Coin Folders / Books: Popular Brands and Styles
- Whitman: Known for their wide range of albums and folders, catering to various coin series. Blue coin folders are typically Whitman, known for their versatility and wide appeal.
- Littleton: Provides a mix of albums and folders, often with a more affordable entry point.
Coin Albums: The Premium Choice
When coin collectors want a really premium look and feel, they fill up their Dansco coin albums. There are other nice albums, but the brown Dansco is the one we see most from collectors who love their coin collections and can afford this premium quality storage and presentation option for their coins.
- Description: High-quality, more permanent albums equipped with clear protective sleeves to safeguard your coins.
- Advantages: Durable, enhances the coin’s appearance, and long-lasting.
- Best For: Serious collectors looking to protect their investment.
Coin Albums: Popular Brands and Styles
Dansco: Brown albums, recognized for their premium feel and archival, protective qualities.
Coins Commonly Collected in Folders, Coin Books, and Coin Albums
Coin Folders / Coin Books:
Although we see both beautiful and cruddy coins in coin folders, the blue coin books tend to be reserved for smaller coins, like Lincoln Wheat Cents, Indian Cents, Buffalo Nickels, Jefferson Nickels, and Mercury and Roosevelt Dimes.
- Lincoln Wheat Cents: Over a century old now, there’s a Lincoln Cent for every collector. We see a lot of wheat cent folders in our shop, with coins of all conditions.
- Indian Cents: Rich in American history, these coins are highly sought after. They’re a little more expensive than Wheaties, but it’s still a fun coin folder to fill.
- Buffalo Nickels and Jefferson Nickels
- State Quarters: Perfect for newer collectors, these series offer a fun, achievable goal.
A quick note about State Quarters: they’re almost always just spendable, even when they appear to be in beautiful condition. There are rare and valuable errors, like the Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarter, but we don’t see those in coin folders very often. That doesn’t mean they’re not a fantastic and fun set to collect! But like most coins, they may not increase in value for many decades yet.
Coin Albums
Generally, but not always, the more serious collectors with more valuable coins bring in their premium coin albums – their Danscos. Often, collectors choose albums because their coins are better protected and they present so well. These albums are generally much more expensive than coin folders or coin books, but the coins sure look nice!
- Morgan Dollars: A favorite among many for their historical significance and beauty.
- Peace Dollars: Some of the most popular and beautiful silver dollars in American history.
- Eisenhower Dollars: We see a lot of Danscos filled with Ike Dollars – both uncs and proofs.
- Walking Liberty Half Dollars: We love getting Danscos in filled with Walkers!
- Kennedy Half Dollars: Both uncs and proofs.
Of course, we get other series in coin albums, also. They’re generally nicer coins in better condition, or with beautiful toning (also known as tarnish). Coins with pretty colors are prized by collectors when the toning is naturally occurring.
How Coin Folders, Books and Coin Albums Come to Us
Just a Few Holes Filled: Coin folders with just a few holes filled are a blank canvas waiting for a new collector’s journey to begin. This is a great way to continue a collector’s work and learn about the hobby they loved. We get a lot of coin folders like this. We don’t get many coin albums with just a few holes filled, but it happens.
Full Minus Key Dates: Coin folders filled minus just the tougher coins are also a great starting point for collectors willing to hunt down the missing pieces. For those of you new to coin collecting, “key dates” are the toughest and generally most expensive coins of the series. We get a lot of coin folders with many holes filled but missing these key dates. Sometimes collectors prefer their key date coins to be certified. As they’re more expensive, many collectors prefer the guarantee of authenticity that comes with certified coins. Sometimes, we find the key dates are actually fakes or replicas. We get albums minus key dates, too, sometimes.
Completely Full: A rare treasure, often sought after by collectors looking to own a complete series. We get a lot more full albums than full folders. If you’re interested in starting collecting from a full album or folder, these are the greatest challenge. Finding upgrades is much more difficult than just filling a hole. But it is a seriously fun challenge that true collectors relish!
What To Do with Your Coin Folders and Coin Albums: Bring Them By PV Coin Exchange!
If a coin album or folder has found its way to you but doesn’t spark your interest, that’s alright. Coin collecting isn’t for everyone, though it is an interesting and unique look at art and history. And, of course, a look into the love of the collector who worked on it for years.
Bring it by! We’re happy to appraise it, check it for key dates, and talk to you about your options. We love buying coin folders and coin albums no matter what condition they’re in.
And, we’re happy to help you begin collecting! Before parting ways, consider the journey of collecting. If you want, you can talk to us about what your expectations will have to be to complete the coin folder or coin album. It’s not just about the coins; it’s about history, community, and the thrill of the hunt. If you’re up for it, let us inspire you to give collecting a try.
Let’s Ride the Wave of Coin Collecting Together
Whether you’re a veteran collector or just discovering the joy of coin folders, remember, our door is always open. We at Palos Verdes Coin Exchange are passionate about helping you navigate the vast ocean of numismatics. Bring us your coin albums, your questions, and your enthusiasm. Together, we’ll help you make the right decision for you to honor both you and the collector.
