Coin Envelopes and Their Guides to Sizes, Storage, and More
Many come into contact with coin envelopes at some point in their lives, but don’t fully recognize their importance. When in need of sorting small items, coin envelopes can be quite handy to keep nearby for quick storage of small items that tend to get lost easily.
Knowing what they are, how to use them, and the variety of options available on the market will help you determine the types necessary to store your loose items.
What are Coin Envelopes?
Coin envelopes, or coin mailers, are designed to hold valuables. Their small, slim sizes distinguish them, yet there are a variety of ways in which you can use them.
Paper coin envelopes that are made with quality paper are sturdy, heavy-duty products that can store anything from valuable items like jewelry to small items like stamps.
And really small coin envelopes that are bought in bulk at their cheapest price point can be a tidy way to pay in cash, dole out apartment keys to new tenants, pack up lab samples, use them as office supplies, and much more.
What Coin Envelopes are Used for and Why
They can be used for just about anything but traditionally, they’re used to hold collectibles or money, specifically coins. Churches and businesses use them for modern coins made of a combination of metals, specifically copper, nickel, and zinc that can be cheaply processed.
And older coins – particularly ones you might find as part of a coin collection – were sourced from gold and silver.
Why does this matter? The sturdy design of these products is not only durable enough to hold an impressive number of coins but protects them from rust buildup. Specifically, both silver and copper react chemically with hydrogen sulfide in the air and cause tarnish to the surface of coins.
Fortunately, they are acid-free and Sulphur-free, allowing you to safely store all kinds of weather-sensitive objects away and preserve them for years.
Coin Envelope Sizes
The envelopes come in several sizes to accommodate many items and all colors, the most frequently used colors being white or brown, popular in professional spaces. When it comes to coin envelope sizes, many can be purchased in the following specifications:
- 2 ¼ x 3 ½
- 2 ½ x 4 ¼
- 3 x 4 ½
- 2 7/8 x 5 ¼
- 3 x 5 ½
- 3 3/8 x 6
- 3 ½ x 6 ½
How to Use Coin Envelopes as Storage
Coin envelopes are, however, solely utilized for storing, organizational, and recreational purposes rather than used to ship items. USPS will mail 3-1/2×5 inch envelopes at the very least, meaning most coin envelopes don’t qualify.
Moreover, they’re more akin to packaging envelopes and typically don’t include a transparent film like traditional envelopes. When in need of organization, most opt for custom envelopes.
Custom versions can be labeled or colored differently to discern between two of the same items that must be separated. This is a popular option for unique party accessories, gift ideas, and arts and crafts projects.
Considering different sized products may help as well to further differentiate between two or more of the same items in similar coin envelopes for more important organizing efforts (I.e., sorting monetary donations, securing lab samples, storing evidence, etc.).
Conclusion
Coin envelopes are a great way to organize small items that would otherwise become lost or deteriorate in humid environments and water. They can be used in both professional settings or at home, and for any reason.
And although you can find them in a variety of colors and sizes for your items, some are specifically designed for certain objects. Just be sure to remember that these types of envelopes can’t be used to ship items.
