Coin packaging is unusual because the product dimensions are genuinely fixed and published, so the sizing conversation moves immediately to the holder and the insert. Get those two right and the box is straightforward.
Published coin diameters
| Coin | Diameter |
|---|---|
| Cent | 19.05 mm (0.750 in) |
| Dime | 17.91 mm (0.705 in) |
| Nickel | 21.21 mm (0.835 in) |
| Quarter | 24.26 mm (0.955 in) |
| Dollar | 26.49 mm (1.043 in) |
| Half dollar | 30.61 mm (1.205 in) |
| American Silver Eagle | 40.6 mm |
These are the official published specifications for circulating and bullion issues. For a custom medallion or a private mint strike, get the diameter and thickness from your minter, because there is no standard to fall back on.
Size from the holder, not the coin
Very few coins worth boxing travel bare. Ask which of these you are packing:
- Air tight capsule. Sized by the capsule outer diameter and thickness, which is considerably larger than the coin.
- Cardboard flip or 2 by 2. A square holder, so the cavity is square rather than round.
- Graded slab. A rigid rectangular holder. Common holders run close to 3.25 x 2.1 in, but measure the exact holders you use rather than trusting a figure.
- Tube. A cylinder of coins, sized by tube diameter and length, and considerably heavier than a single coin.
- Bare coin in a foam well. Used for presentation sets, where the well depth must clear the coin without the lid touching it.
Insert choices
The insert is what makes a coin box feel like a coin box. Die cut foam with a recessed well, a flocked tray, or a velvet wrapped platform are the common options in ascending order of cost. Two practical points. First, the well should hold the holder without the lid pressing down on it, because pressure is what scuffs a slab. Second, if the set has multiple coins, decide the layout on paper before tooling, since a row of five and a cross of five are different trays.
Presentation and finish
Most collectible coin boxes are rigid construction with a wrap, often in a dark paper with a foil stamped mark. Rigid boxes grow on the outside, so if the box has to fit a shipper or a display, ask for the external dimension explicitly. For construction detail, our explainer on shoulder boxes covers where the millimetres go. A certificate of authenticity, if you include one, needs its own space in the box and should be sized before the die, not after.
Price, minimum and lead time
Minimum order is 100 boxes, from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes, confirmed on your written quote. Rigid construction, wraps, foil and foam tooling all move the price. Die and plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof before anything prints are included, so a well cut to your exact capsule costs no more to tool than a near standard one.
Turnaround runs in three lanes: rush (expedited production with air freight), standard (air) and cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days plus 2 to 5 for delivery. Rigid, hand assembled presentation boxes with fitted foam sit at the long end, and specialty imported items can run up to about 12 weeks. Rush adds about 7 to 25% depending on the job. We produce in West Chicago and in Guangzhou.
To order, go to custom coin boxes. Send the holder you use, the coin count and the layout you want, then request a quote.
