Coin Collecting Boards

Coin collecting boards were the predecessors to modern coin folders. They were large pieces of cardboard with circular holes punched into them, which fit coins exactly and hold them securely. They’re often marked with a date or description of the coin that belongs in each slot. This helps beginning collectors chart their progress as they assemble sets.

They were popularized in 1934 by Joseph Kent Post, an engineer for the Kimberly-Clark paper products company who hoped to introduce more people to the hobby that had been fairly exclusive until then. He partnered with Whitman Publishing of Racine, Wisconsin, which already was a prolific producer of games, puzzles and other paper novelties. Together they produced six different coin board series, with one for each of the major U.S. coin denominations – cent, nickel and dime; barber and standing Liberty dimes; and the Mercury, Buffalo and Standing Liberty quarters.

As with other types of collectibles, collector boards are best kept in an environment that is room temperature, dry and free of humidity. Avoid attic rooms, basements or areas exposed to direct sunlight. Also keep them away from poly vinyl (PVC) holders that etch the surfaces of coins over time, and avoid storage in plastic snap-lock pouches.

Parents will often make a child’s goal to fill coin boards a family project, which can be great bonding time as a parent helps his or her child hunt down the coins necessary to complete a set. The 50 Statehood Quarters are a good example. A vintage board for these coins with slots for each of the 10 states has realized several hundred dollars at auction, though this example had some moisture damage visible within the openings.