When I started collecting bullion coins, I decided that if I was going to be spending a fair bit of money on these coins, I should spend a little extra to display them well. I first started using hard plastic 2" x 2" containers. These cost about $.50 each, and worked pretty well. However, they were difficult to put in plastic sheets (they are thicker than the 2x2 cardboard holders), and the coins would move around a bit. Plus, it it virtually impossible to use these to store coins in their mint issue plastic.
I discovered another option when I saw a 1/10 oz gold coin in what I believe is called an "Air Tite" container (round hard plastic container), but with a piece of black foam holding the coin securely in place. I really liked the contrast of the black against the gold, and liked that the coin can't move around at all. But, they are also difficult to fit in plastic sheets (since they are round, and thicker than the cardboard 2x2s), and they can't store coins in the mint issue plastic. I won't take my coins out of their mint issue plastic, but otherwise would consider these an excellent option.
What I recently decided on for my collection is to just use standard 2x2 cardboard holders, the kind most coins at coin stores are in. They keep the coin securely in place, fit easily into plastic sheets, and can handle most mint issue plastic. The look (to me, at least) isn't quite as nice as having the black foam around them, but isn't too bad. Plus, it gives me space to write information about the coin (size, name, content, country, mintage). They do, however, allow more air to circulate around the coins, which may increase the chances of toning occuring.
I then take the 2x2 cardboard holders and put them into plastic sheets that hold 20 coins (4 across by 5 down), and put those into a 3-ring binder. That way I can see a lot at once. At first I had a problem where you could see through unused spaces into the plastic sheet below, which looked really bad. But, for about 20 cents a piece from an office supply store you can buy 3-ring dividers. Putting one of those between each page works well. It still isn't perfect, but works pretty well.
Also, you should consider the safety of your coins. If you have a collection of any value, you should consider putting them into a safe deposit box, or at least getting a safe to put them in. You should also check your insurance policy, to see what limit they place on coin collections, and if you can get a rider for them.
This page last updated November 8, 1999.