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As a numismatist, whether one is the amateur hobbyist or the professional investor, the most important factor is to maintain the condition of the coin. A collection is not only a means of monetary value, but a physical object of history, art and individual commitment. This is one of the concerns in keeping this investment safe against the forces of nature and an endless battle against physical destruction, water pollution, and a chemical breakdown.
Air-Tite Model A Direct Fit A18 Capsule is considered the professional solution that is designed to deliver undisputed long-term protection. These archival-safe capsules are proudly Made in the USA and are 100% free of any harmful PVC so collectors can rest assured that their valuable assets are safe.
Direct Fit system is precision at its best offering a custom moulded housing that grips an 18mm coin to perfection and has no microscopic scratches or abrasions that can be caused by movement or rattle in lesser holders.
Fear of irreversible damage can be the genesis of the decision to invest in storage of high quality. The proper preservation of coins is informed by the science behind it and the simple step of knowing the science behind it is the first step towards preserving a collection that will be passed on to other generations. The substances that touch the surface of a coin may either give it immunity forever or gradually lead to its death.
There can be no contaminants in the numismatic community more infamous than Polyvinyl Chloride or commonly known as PVC. The chemical is a common additive in the production of soft, flexible plastic products, such as most cheap, flexible coin flips and album pages. Though handy and cheap, such materials are a considerable and insidious threat. The plasticizers in PVC degrade with time and at higher rates due to heat and humidity and leach out of the plastic. When the process is undertaken, toxic chemicals are released, which present a mild acidic effect when they combine with the metal surface of a coin.
The first effect of this reaction usually is a milky or grey haze but they soon turn into a destructive greenish, sticky residue more colloquially referred to as "green slime". This is no superficial spot; it actually eats into the metal, gnawing at the surface of the coin and leaving irreparable pitting and stains of a permanent nature. Susceptible to this chemical attack are copper and silver coins. Financial implications are disastrous and collections of valuable Morgan Silver Dollars have experienced a reduction of fifty percent in their market value because the PVC has contaminated them, with fear that the metal will continue to corrode even after cleaning. It is a lurking menace described in the letter that may build up without notice over a period of years because of careless storage and has destroyed so many valuable coins and is a reminder to every collector.
In sharp contrast to the hazards of PVC, Air-Tite capsules are made using a chemically stable high-impact virgin acrylic plastic. It is a very different material and entirely safe to be in long, direct contact with any precious metal. Another important ingredient of the manufacturing process is the inclusion of a proprietary non-yellowing agent. This made the capsules crystal clear and also optically pure over decades and avoided the discolouration which afflicts inferior plastics and gave a clear, undistorted view into the coin inside.
Each and every Air-Tite capsule has been certified to be 100% PVC-free, as well as archival safe, and in order to pass the high standard required to be archival safe it must withstand permanent, museum quality storage. The acrylic material is hard, rigid and can offer excellent physical protection against drops, impacts, scratches, the precise, snap-together construction offers an impenetrable shield against airborne contaminants such as dust, moisture and sulfur compounds that lead to tarnishing.
When collectors purchase an Air-Titeholder, they are investing in a highly sound scientific system of preservation that will keep their coins in the state of preservation and value they are in today.
Direct Fit (The A18): The style of the highest exactness. It is specifically designed to handle coins whose size is a known and finite diameter and which have usually been in mint or uncirculated condition. The major advantage is that it produces a totally smooth and liquid-clear picture that enables the coin to seem floating in acrylic. This fit is snug, thus offering total security where the coin cannot move, turn or shake, which is a vital attribute in maintaining mint surfaces and graded coins.
Ring Type: When collectors may have circulated coins, ancient coins, or odd-sized and marginally inconsistent diameter medallions, the Ring Type capsule is a great alternative. These capsules have a non-adhesive soft, inert foam ring of Volara or cross-linked polyethylene that center and imprison the coin in a standard-sized holder. It is also a 100% PVC-free, archival-safe foam. When a collector has a heavily worn dime, the crisp 18mm coin may not fit as well in their A18 and maybe it is deemed that an 18mm Ring Type capsule would be potentially similar in fit with as much security, but easier to fit.
Another important piece of information to know when constructing a collection is that the designation of the product as A18 is that of a Model A capsule. This example of a letter is the secret to the whole Air-Tite storage world. All Model A capsules, and all internal diameters, (A16 through A26), are all the same, meaning they all had the same outside diameter of 30.93mm (1.218 inches). Such standardization implies that any Model A capsule, such as the A18, fits with perfect compatibility into storage solutions which are designed to handle only "Model A" or "Small" sized capsules, thus permitting a neat and orderly storage.
Before encapsulating your coins, it is vital to handle them correctly. The natural oils and acids on human skin can be corrosive to a coin's surface, leaving permanent fingerprints over time. Always handle valuable coins by their edges, and for best practice, wear soft, lint-free cotton gloves. When placing a coin into the capsule base, do so over a soft, padded surface, such as an Air-Tite Numismat Breaker Mat, to prevent damage in case of an accidental drop.
The secure seal of an Air-Tite capsule is one of its greatest strengths, but this can make it challenging to open without the proper technique. Forcing it with your fingernails is often ineffective and can damage the capsule. The recommended method is to use a thin, sturdy tool like a small pocket knife or a purpose-made plastic spudger. Carefully insert the tip of the blade into the seam where the two halves meet and give a gentle twist. Repeat this process at several points around the circumference of the capsule. This will gradually and evenly separate the lid from the base without concentrating stress on one point, which could cause cracking. While the capsules are durable and can be reopened multiple times, be aware that the seal may become slightly less tight after several openings.
Closing the capsule correctly ensures a proper seal. Place your coin securely within the recessed area of the capsule's base. Take the cover and carefully align it over the base. Place the capsule on a soft, padded surface and press down firmly and evenly around the edges with your fingertips. You will feel and hear a distinct "snap" as the two halves lock together, forming a secure, protective seal.
For bulk storage of encapsulated dimes or other 18mm coins, the Capsule Tube for Model 'A' Air-Tites is the ideal solution. These rigid, clear tubes are precisely sized to hold 20 fully closed A18 capsules in a neat, vertical stack. This prevents movement and provides an additional layer of physical protection, making them perfect for storage in a safe or a larger collection box.
For collectors who prefer a box-style organization for display or inventory, the Guardhouse "Small" Single or Double Row Storage Boxes are the recommended choice. The term "Small" in the Guardhouse system directly corresponds to the Air-Tite "Model A" outer diameter. These heavy-duty boxes feature interior slots lined with black flocking that hold each capsule snugly, preventing any rattling or contact between capsules. A single-row box holds 25 capsules, while a double-row box holds 50, providing a scalable and professional solution for managing your collection.
As a numismatist, whether one is the amateur hobbyist or the professional investor, the most important factor is to maintain the condition of the coin. A collection is not only a means of monetary value, but a physical object of history, art and individual commitment. This is one of the concerns in keeping this investment safe against the forces of nature and an endless battle against physical destruction, water pollution, and a chemical breakdown.
Air-Tite Model A Direct Fit A18 Capsule is considered the professional solution that is designed to deliver undisputed long-term protection. These archival-safe capsules are proudly Made in the USA and are 100% free of any harmful PVC so collectors can rest assured that their valuable assets are safe.
Direct Fit system is precision at its best offering a custom moulded housing that grips an 18mm coin to perfection and has no microscopic scratches or abrasions that can be caused by movement or rattle in lesser holders.
Fear of irreversible damage can be the genesis of the decision to invest in storage of high quality. The proper preservation of coins is informed by the science behind it and the simple step of knowing the science behind it is the first step towards preserving a collection that will be passed on to other generations. The substances that touch the surface of a coin may either give it immunity forever or gradually lead to its death.
There can be no contaminants in the numismatic community more infamous than Polyvinyl Chloride or commonly known as PVC. The chemical is a common additive in the production of soft, flexible plastic products, such as most cheap, flexible coin flips and album pages. Though handy and cheap, such materials are a considerable and insidious threat. The plasticizers in PVC degrade with time and at higher rates due to heat and humidity and leach out of the plastic. When the process is undertaken, toxic chemicals are released, which present a mild acidic effect when they combine with the metal surface of a coin.
The first effect of this reaction usually is a milky or grey haze but they soon turn into a destructive greenish, sticky residue more colloquially referred to as "green slime". This is no superficial spot; it actually eats into the metal, gnawing at the surface of the coin and leaving irreparable pitting and stains of a permanent nature. Susceptible to this chemical attack are copper and silver coins. Financial implications are disastrous and collections of valuable Morgan Silver Dollars have experienced a reduction of fifty percent in their market value because the PVC has contaminated them, with fear that the metal will continue to corrode even after cleaning. It is a lurking menace described in the letter that may build up without notice over a period of years because of careless storage and has destroyed so many valuable coins and is a reminder to every collector.
In sharp contrast to the hazards of PVC, Air-Tite capsules are made using a chemically stable high-impact virgin acrylic plastic. It is a very different material and entirely safe to be in long, direct contact with any precious metal. Another important ingredient of the manufacturing process is the inclusion of a proprietary non-yellowing agent. This made the capsules crystal clear and also optically pure over decades and avoided the discolouration which afflicts inferior plastics and gave a clear, undistorted view into the coin inside.
Each and every Air-Tite capsule has been certified to be 100% PVC-free, as well as archival safe, and in order to pass the high standard required to be archival safe it must withstand permanent, museum quality storage. The acrylic material is hard, rigid and can offer excellent physical protection against drops, impacts, scratches, the precise, snap-together construction offers an impenetrable shield against airborne contaminants such as dust, moisture and sulfur compounds that lead to tarnishing.
When collectors purchase an Air-Titeholder, they are investing in a highly sound scientific system of preservation that will keep their coins in the state of preservation and value they are in today.
Direct Fit (The A18): The style of the highest exactness. It is specifically designed to handle coins whose size is a known and finite diameter and which have usually been in mint or uncirculated condition. The major advantage is that it produces a totally smooth and liquid-clear picture that enables the coin to seem floating in acrylic. This fit is snug, thus offering total security where the coin cannot move, turn or shake, which is a vital attribute in maintaining mint surfaces and graded coins.
Ring Type: When collectors may have circulated coins, ancient coins, or odd-sized and marginally inconsistent diameter medallions, the Ring Type capsule is a great alternative. These capsules have a non-adhesive soft, inert foam ring of Volara or cross-linked polyethylene that center and imprison the coin in a standard-sized holder. It is also a 100% PVC-free, archival-safe foam. When a collector has a heavily worn dime, the crisp 18mm coin may not fit as well in their A18 and maybe it is deemed that an 18mm Ring Type capsule would be potentially similar in fit with as much security, but easier to fit.
Another important piece of information to know when constructing a collection is that the designation of the product as A18 is that of a Model A capsule. This example of a letter is the secret to the whole Air-Tite storage world. All Model A capsules, and all internal diameters, (A16 through A26), are all the same, meaning they all had the same outside diameter of 30.93mm (1.218 inches). Such standardization implies that any Model A capsule, such as the A18, fits with perfect compatibility into storage solutions which are designed to handle only "Model A" or "Small" sized capsules, thus permitting a neat and orderly storage.
Before encapsulating your coins, it is vital to handle them correctly. The natural oils and acids on human skin can be corrosive to a coin's surface, leaving permanent fingerprints over time. Always handle valuable coins by their edges, and for best practice, wear soft, lint-free cotton gloves. When placing a coin into the capsule base, do so over a soft, padded surface, such as an Air-Tite Numismat Breaker Mat, to prevent damage in case of an accidental drop.
The secure seal of an Air-Tite capsule is one of its greatest strengths, but this can make it challenging to open without the proper technique. Forcing it with your fingernails is often ineffective and can damage the capsule. The recommended method is to use a thin, sturdy tool like a small pocket knife or a purpose-made plastic spudger. Carefully insert the tip of the blade into the seam where the two halves meet and give a gentle twist. Repeat this process at several points around the circumference of the capsule. This will gradually and evenly separate the lid from the base without concentrating stress on one point, which could cause cracking. While the capsules are durable and can be reopened multiple times, be aware that the seal may become slightly less tight after several openings.
Closing the capsule correctly ensures a proper seal. Place your coin securely within the recessed area of the capsule's base. Take the cover and carefully align it over the base. Place the capsule on a soft, padded surface and press down firmly and evenly around the edges with your fingertips. You will feel and hear a distinct "snap" as the two halves lock together, forming a secure, protective seal.
For bulk storage of encapsulated dimes or other 18mm coins, the Capsule Tube for Model 'A' Air-Tites is the ideal solution. These rigid, clear tubes are precisely sized to hold 20 fully closed A18 capsules in a neat, vertical stack. This prevents movement and provides an additional layer of physical protection, making them perfect for storage in a safe or a larger collection box.
For collectors who prefer a box-style organization for display or inventory, the Guardhouse "Small" Single or Double Row Storage Boxes are the recommended choice. The term "Small" in the Guardhouse system directly corresponds to the Air-Tite "Model A" outer diameter. These heavy-duty boxes feature interior slots lined with black flocking that hold each capsule snugly, preventing any rattling or contact between capsules. A single-row box holds 25 capsules, while a double-row box holds 50, providing a scalable and professional solution for managing your collection.
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