Archival Sleeve & Cover Holder Size Chart
Measure your item's length and width, then match it to the closest size in the tables below — sleeves should have a small margin around the item, not a tight fit. Choose top-opening for items you'll display or handle often, side-opening for extra security against items sliding out, or wraparound for loose, bulkier, or irregularly shaped items. Every SAFE sleeve is made from PVC-free, archival-safe polyester or polypropylene, so your collection stays safe no matter which style you choose.
Whether you're storing a first day cover, a stack of postcards, a banknote, or a stamp approval card, the right sleeve does two jobs at once: it protects the item from dust, handling, and light, and it fits well enough that the item isn't sliding around loose or being squeezed too tight. Getting the size and opening style right the first time saves you from re-housing a collection twice.
How to measure your item
Lay the item flat and measure its length and width at the widest points, including any deckled or irregular edges. Add a small margin — SAFE sleeves are sized to leave breathing room, not to fit edge-to-edge, since a too-snug sleeve can stress paper and card stock over time. If your item falls between two sizes in the chart, size up rather than down.
Choosing an opening style
- Top-opening (long side): The most common style, and the easiest for items you'll take in and out often — displaying, sharing, or referencing regularly. The opening runs along the long edge of the sleeve.
- Side-opening (short side): Adds a layer of security since gravity works against the item sliding out, making it a good choice for items in albums or binders that get handled or transported.
- Wraparound: A fold-over flap that fully encloses the item, ideal for loose currency, oversized covers, or anything you want sealed on more than one edge without a rigid pocket.
Cover Holders:
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 9256 | 6-7/8" × 4-1/8" (175 × 105mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9254 | 6-7/8" × 4-1/8" (175 × 105mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 747SP | 7-1/4" × 4-1/8" (184 × 105mm) | Top-opening, Heavy-weight |
| No. 9260 | 6-5/8" × 4-1/4" (168 × 108mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9258 | 6-5/8" × 4-1/4" (168 × 108mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9268 | 6-5/8" × 4-7/8" (170 × 125mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9266 | 6-5/8" × 4-7/8" (170 × 125mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9272 | 7-5/8" × 5-1/4" (195 × 135mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9270 | 7-5/8" × 5-1/4" (195 × 135mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 748 | 8" × 5-1/4" (203 × 135mm) | Top-opening, Heavy-weight |
| No. 9237 | 10-3/8" × 4-5/8" (265 × 117mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9236 | 10-3/8" × 4-5/8" (265 × 117mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9282 | 9-1/16" × 4-3/4" (230 × 120mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9284 | 9-1/16" × 4-3/4" (230 × 120mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9274 | 8-5/8" × 6-1/4" (220 × 160mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9276 | 8-5/8" × 6-1/4" (220 × 160mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9280 | 9-1/2" × 6-3/4" (240 × 172mm) | Top-opening, Medium-weight |
| No. 9278 | 9-1/2" × 6-3/4" (240 × 172mm) | Side-opening, Medium-weight |
Currency Sleeves:
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1291 | 8-1/8" × 4-7/8" (205 × 125mm) | Wraparound |
| No. 1290 | 10-5/8" × 6-1/8" (270 × 157mm) | Wraparound |
Stamp Approval Card Sleeves:
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 744SP | 6-1/4" × 3-1/2" | Top-opening, Heavy-weight |
| No. 743SP | 5-3/4" × 3-1/8" | Wraparound, Medium-weight |
| No. 7461SP | 4-1/2" × 2-3/4" | Wraparound, Medium-weight |
| No. 7741 | 8-1/4" × 5-7/8" | Wraparound, Medium-weight |
Postcard Sleeves (vintage/modern archival line):
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 9252 | 5-7/8" × 4-1/16" (149 × 103mm) | Top-opening |
| No. 9250 | 5-7/8" × 4-1/16" (149 × 103mm) | Side-opening |
| No. 9264 | 6-1/8" × 4-1/2" (157 × 113mm) | Top-opening |
| No. 9262 | 6-1/8" × 4-1/2" (157 × 113mm) | Side-opening |
Postcard Holders (polypropylene line):
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 9248 | 3-3/4" × 5-3/4" (95 × 145mm) | Side-opening |
| No. 9249 | 4-3/8" × 5-7/8" (110 × 150mm) | Side-opening |
Collectible Card Sleeves:
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 9242 | 3-5/8" × 2-3/8" (92 × 60mm) | Top-opening |
| No. 9240 | 3-5/8" x 2-3/8" (92mm x 60mm) | Side-opening |
Oversized Sleeves:
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 9292 | 12-1/4" × 8-5/8" (310 × 220mm) | Top-opening |
| No. 9294 | 17-1/8" × 12-1/4" (435 × 310mm) | Top-opening |
| No. 9296 | 24-3/8" × 17-1/8" (620 × 435mm) | Top-opening |
U.S. Mint Stamp Sheet Sleeves:
| Product No. | Dimensions | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| No. 9281 | 11" × 9-1/2" (279 × 241mm) | Top-opening, Heavy-weight |
Frequently Asked Questions
Top-opening sleeves open along the long edge and are easiest for frequent handling. Side-opening sleeves open along the short edge, which adds a bit of extra security against an item sliding out — a good choice for albums that get moved or shipped.
Yes. All SAFE sleeves are made from archival-quality polyester or polypropylene, fully free of PVC and plasticizers, so they won't off-gas or react with paper, ink, or metal over time.
Size up. A slightly loose sleeve protects better than a tight one; a snug fit can stress the item's edges over time, especially with repeated handling.
Heavy-weight sleeves (around 8 mil) offer more rigidity and puncture resistance, better suited for items you'll handle often or store upright. Medium-weight sleeves (around 4 mil) are thinner and more economical, ideal for long-term flat storage.
Wraparound sleeves are more forgiving of slightly irregular shapes since the flap folds over rather than requiring a precise pocket fit, making them a safer choice when you're unsure.