Lincoln Cents Folder #3 1975-2013

This review contrasts the H. E. Harris folder and the standard blue Whitman folder, both published by Whitman Books. Since both folders cover similar collections and both are published by Whitman Books, one question naturally arises, are there any significant reasons to favor one folder over the other? The answer is yes, and I believe that the differences favor the Harris folders. The standard Whitman folders have exteriors made of paper and the back of these exterior paper covers also provide the back for the coins inserted in the interior. On the-other-hand the front covers of this folder as well as the inside back covering for the coin slots of the H. E. Harris & Co. "Lincoln Cents Starting 1975" folder is heavily plasticized. This folder has three pages, each page providing 30 coin slots. There is a total of eighty-two designated (identified) slots, in my folder purchased in 2010, that have printed slot descriptions from "Memorial Reverse" and 1975 through 2009-D with slots for all eight versions of the 2009 cent. Eight additional slots are also provided but not designated. Perhaps because of its plasticized covers the Harris folders are slightly thicker. In one case, with a standard Whitman blue folder I inadvertently placed too much pressure in removing a coin from the folder and the paper punctured. This would appear much more unlikely in the case of the plasticized exterior of a Harris folder. Additionally, the plasticized finish means that the exterior of these folders are much easier to keep clean. The Harris folders also have a light-toned interior background compared to the medium-blue background of the Whitman books. This makes the printed coin information easier to read in a Harris folder. Conclusion. The plasticized finish of the Harris folders makes them sturdier, and easier to clean. Their lighter background makes the printing easier to read. Their slightly thicker size and larger spine printing makes them easier to distinguish on a shelf.