Introduction
Coin envelopes are the small-envelope family, numbered #1 through #7, designed not for letters but for small items — coins, seeds, jewelry, electronic components, screws, and other tiny objects that need a secure, pocket-sized carrier.
They’re the workhorse of collectors, jewelers, parts departments, and anyone who handles small loose items. This guide covers the coin envelope sizes, the straight-edge versus flap styles, paper options, and the use cases where they fit.
The Coin Envelope Size Range
Coin envelopes run from tiny #1 to the roomier #7.
| Size | Dimensions | Holds |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2¼” × 3½” | Coins, small parts |
| #3 | 2½” × 4¼” | Seeds, jewelry |
| #5 | 3⅛” × 5½” | Parts, small items |
| #6 | 3½” × 6″ | Components |
| #7 | 3¾” × 6¾” | Larger small items |
The numbering isn’t a size progression you have to memorize — just match the object to the pocket size:
| Object | Coin size |
|---|---|
| Single coin | #1 |
| Seeds | #3 |
| Jewelry | #3 |
| Electronic parts | #5 |
| Screws/fasteners | #7 |
Straight-Edge vs Flap
Coin envelopes come in two opening styles.
| Style | Design | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Straight-edge | No flap, open top | Quick access, sorting |
| Flap (gummed) | Sealable flap | Secure, mailing |
The choice depends on whether the item stays put or needs to be sealed:
| If you need… | Style |
|---|---|
| Quick access | Straight-edge |
| Secure storage | Flap |
| Mailing small item | Flap (seal) |
Paper Options
Coin envelopes come in a few paper types.
| Paper | Character | Use |
|---|---|---|
| White | Clean, standard | Parts, jewelry |
| Kraft/brown | Durable, opaque | Coins, hardware |
| Glassine | Translucent | Stamps, display |
The paper should match the item — opaque for privacy, translucent for display:
| Item | Paper |
|---|---|
| Coins | Kraft (opaque) |
| Jewelry | White or kraft |
| Stamps (display) | Glassine |
| Parts | Kraft |
For kraft material details, see our kraft envelope manufacturing standards guide.
Common Uses
Coin envelopes serve specific small-item workflows.
| Use | Coin envelope |
|---|---|
| Coin collecting | #1 |
| Seed saving | #3 |
| Jewelry display | #3 |
| Electronic parts | #5 |
| Hardware/fasteners | #7 |
| Cash drawer | #1 or #3 |
Two uses deserve note — coin collectors favor #1 kraft for single coins, and parts departments favor #5 for small components.
Choosing a Coin Envelope
A quick decision guide:
| If you’re storing… | Size + paper |
|---|---|
| Coins | #1, kraft |
| Seeds | #3, white or kraft |
| Jewelry | #3, white |
| Parts | #5, kraft |
| Fasteners | #7, kraft |
Match the pocket size to the object, and choose paper by whether you need privacy (opaque) or display (glassine).
Conclusion
Coin envelopes are the #1-to-#7 small-envelope family for coins, seeds, jewelry, parts, and fasteners. Choose straight-edge for quick access or a gummed flap for sealing, match the paper to the item (kraft for privacy, glassine for display), and size the pocket to the object. For the full envelope-size picture, see our list of envelope sizes guide.
Need coin envelopes for your parts or products? Request a quote.