Name: Air Tite Model A - Black Ring Capsule - 15mm
Brand: BOLD Precious Metals
SKU: SUPPLY-111000-A15-BR
Price: 1.65 USD
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is the best way to store valuable coins?

Accepted Answer

The best practice for long-term storage involves a two-layer approach. First, each individual coin should be protected from physical damage and environmental contaminants. Archival-quality holders like Air-Tite capsules are the gold standard for this purpose. Second, these individually protected coins should be placed in a stable macro-environment. This means a storage location that is dry, temperature-controlled, and away from direct sunlight, water pipes, and airborne pollutants like sulfur compounds often found in wooden cabinets or cardboard. A closet or home office is generally safer than an attic or basement, which are prone to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Question 2

How do I safely handle my precious metal coins?

Accepted Answer

The primary risk when handling coins is transferring natural oils and acids from your fingertips, which can lead to permanent smudges, stains, and corrosion over time. The best practice is to always wear soft, lint-free cotton or nitrile gloves. If gloves are unavailable, you must handle the coin only by its edges, never touching the obverse or reverse faces. It is also highly recommended to work over a soft, padded surface, such as a folded towel or a dedicated numismatic mat, to prevent damage from an accidental drop.

Question 3

How do I open an Air-Tite capsule without damaging it?

Accepted Answer

Air-Tite capsules are designed for a secure, tight fit, so they cannot be opened with just your fingernails. Attempting to do so can damage both the capsule and your nails. The recommended method requires a tool and a careful hand. Use the tip of a thin, sturdy blade, such as a utility knife or pocket knife. Carefully insert the blade tip into the seam between the two halves of the capsule. Apply a gentle twist—do not pry upwards. Rotate the capsule and repeat this gentle twisting motion at several points around the circumference. This will slowly and evenly separate the two halves without cracking the acrylic. Once a sufficient gap has been created, you can separate the pieces with your fingers. Please note that after multiple openings, the seal may become less tight.

Question 4

Are Air-Tite capsules truly airtight?

Accepted Answer

This is a point of common confusion. While the term "Air-Tite" is the brand name, no snap-together plastic holder is truly, hermetically "airtight" at a molecular level over a span of decades. However, their precision-fit, snap-together design creates an exceptionally secure seal that is highly resistant to the flow of ambient air and moisture. This creates a stable micro-climate inside the capsule that provides superior long-term protection and drastically slows down the natural toning process caused by environmental sulfur. They offer the highest degree of practical protection available in a non-permanent holder.

Question 5

Is the black foam ring in Air-Tite capsules safe for long-term storage?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. This is a critical feature that sets genuine Air-Tite holders apart from generic alternatives. The black ring is not simple craft foam; it is made from an inert, cross-linked polyethylene. This material is chemically stable, acid-free, and contains no PVC or other harmful plasticizers that could leach out and damage or tone your coin over time. Its purpose is twofold: to provide a secure, cushioned fit for the coin and to create an attractive, archival-safe border for display.

Question 6

What is PVC damage and how do these capsules prevent it?

Accepted Answer

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a chemical plasticizer used to make plastic soft and flexible. For decades, it was common in cheap coin flips. Over time, PVC breaks down and leaches out, creating a mild acid that reacts with the coin's metal. This results in a sticky, greenish, or milky residue often called "green slime". If not removed, this residue will permanently eat into the coin's surface, causing microscopic pitting and irretrievably destroying its numismatic value. Air-Tite capsules are made from 100% PVC-free, hard acrylic plastic, making them completely archival-safe and eliminating the risk of PVC damage.

Question 7

Why do some of my coins tone even inside a capsule?

Accepted Answer

While Air-Tite capsules provide exceptional protection, toning can still occur under specific circumstances. First, as mentioned, the capsules are not 100% impermeable to gases over very long periods, so some slow, natural toning from atmospheric sulfur is possible over many decades. A more common cause is contamination sealed inside the capsule. If a coin was handled with bare fingers before being encapsulated, the oils and microscopic particles left on the surface can react with the coin's metal over time, causing localized toning or spots, even within the protected environment. This underscores the importance of proper handling before encapsulation.

Question 8

My coin doesn't fit perfectly. Did I get the wrong size?

Accepted Answer

This is a common question, especially when dealing with the nuances between direct-fit and ring-type capsules. For this ring-type capsule, a perfect fit often means the foam ring is slightly compressed by the coin, holding it securely. If your coin rattles in a direct-fit capsule, it often means the coin is worn or was struck to slightly smaller tolerances, and a ring-type capsule like this one would be a better choice. If you have any doubts about the correct size for your specific coin, please consult our compatibility guide above or contact our expert customer service team for assistance.

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Air Tite Model A - Black Ring Capsule - 15mm