I have decided that I am going to use non-Pvc flips,with inserts, for some of my re-organization/first organization of my collection.  As I mentioned in my last journal, I have an eclectic, not too big assortment of world silver coins. The reason that I have these coins is that part of how I enjoy this hobby is by slowly perusing world silver junk bins. So I guess you could call these coins keepers, but for the most part not meant to be slabbed one day - whether for protection or investment.  I currently have about half of these coins in 2x2s and half loose.

For this part of my collection, as I move forward, I really want to be able to let others enjoy them as well (for instance, at a post-apocalypse family get together, that sort of thing) so I want them to be in the flips so I can take them out and let people (or myself) hold them.  

It's funny, if you were to do a verbatim search for  "coin forum flips vs 2x2"  I assume you would get a lot of hits. There are so many collectors, a lot new but many not new like myself, who still struggle with this type of decision.  I think it is important to keep in mind being able to best enjoy what we bought, not just look forward to buying more. For the record, I know that 2X2s are beloved by many, bemoaned by many, and that discussions about crimping your staples know no bounds. I want to be able to write information about each coin, so 2x2s made sense. But the inserts in the flips will do that job as well. Maybe two years ago I bought a small amount of flips with inserts, and I found that there are a few problems.The good ones that won't contaminate your coins have a propensity for eventually cracking, often where you fold them. But I have found that this can be mitigated. A lot of collectors hate flips for the possibility of scratches from going in or out, or from sharp edges after a crack. But I'll take my chances. And I like the idea of not being "tied" to whatever I wrote on a 2x2. With the inserts you can edit as desired or necessary. 

You can get flips in sizes other than 2x2.  I've had to dig a little but I was finally able to find some that are non-Pvc even over sized - meaning not those large flimsy ones you might have run across. This is important because I have a small amount of exonumia I plan to house this way as well. 

Updates will be forthcoming.