Apologies if this has been asked before but I searched numerous topics that only dealt with which form of toploaders to store sealed cards in.
Simply, I have a few sealed promos that form parts of binder sets so I’ve left them sealed in the binder. Should I actually be doing this or does the crimp in the packet damage the card long-term? Should I just open them if I want them displayed as part of the set? I’ve read, in the past, about this kind of damage being possible but not known if it is a real concern or just excessive worrying.
Obviously it’s also not ideal that you need to fold one end of the packet to fit them in the pockets.
It’s possible i suppose if the binders are stacked/full of cards the weight could theoretically imprint the cards with the crimp after storing for a long time though i have not experienced this.
I’ve thought of storying my sealed in binders, but have not done so because I’m worried about crumbling the cello wrapper, or accidentally tearing the wrapper when I’m putting them in or taking them out. I recommend against it.
What I do instead is sandwich them between card savers that I then tape together. If you don’t have card savers, then try 2 pieces of stiff cardboard.
Problem is I can’t mentally deal with removing them and keeping them in separate cardsavers, leaving empty gaps in a complete set lol. And I don’t want to be buying duplicate copies to fill the gaps and keep separate sealed ones. The stuff I have is only sealed by chance or because it was cheap at the time.
Probably the most valuable is a sealed Lucky Stadium black star promo. That one’s a bit weird because, again, I don’t want it separate from the promo set BUT you also can’t see the art anyway with the insert blocking it. That’s one that I 100% don’t want to take out and have to buy a non-sealed placeholder for.
I know the feel. I have just also folded them over gingerly as well and stuck it in the binder. Its about as thick in the end as having it sleeved anyhow. But I’ve moved on to just taking them out of the cellophane unless its like something special and rare/old.
So I’ll get back to you on how this might work. If you put it in your binder, you have no option but to accept fate, you have to fold it over to fit in the binder. If you want to keep it that way, this should work. No idea why I hadn’t thought of this before as I have a few in binder folded over loose, not ideal…Clear - Matte Outer Sleeves - Standard Size - Dragon Shield But this will still fit a binder pocket. Tight fit, but it works.
Otherwise if you are like me, I’ve gone back where I remember, and take them out as normal and just sleeve them up. Some thing I have extras of so its not a big deal and I have some concerns about damage over time.
As for storage outside of binders? I use tarot card sized sleeves. They are the perfect size for english cellophane promos(and booster packs). Then if you really want, I have put some into 3x5 inch top loaders, the size meant for 3x5 inch flashcards. Though the fit feels a bit too snug. So I don’t know if that is actually a wise choice, so I don’t suggest it at this time as I don’t know if that could be bad over the long term.
The binder I use is a semi rigid card saver binder. Unfortunately, the one I have is sold out, but I’m sure they’re not that difficult to find. They can get a bit pricey, but I got mine for a steep discount.
