I've had a similar problem. I found that if I press down very slowly (vs the Hercules slam) I am much more successful with getting clean staples.
Over the years, my criteria have changed for a coin being worthy to be placed in the cardboard or plastic holder. When I first started, I placed all of my older coins in the cardboard holders, including wheat pennies. Each was a prize at the time. That stopped a long time ago as wheat pennies and newer silver coins became very commonplace.
Now, I use sorting jars for the commonplace finds and holders for the rest. I still keep a log sheet of the places I hunt, conditions, detector used and settings, and what was found. In some cases a map on the back is appropriate and notes if it is worth returning to at a later time.
As for being worthy for a holder.
1. key date wheaties, IH Cents and older
2. key date Merc dimes, Barber dimes and older
3. Standing Liberty Quarters and older
4. All Silver Halves and Dollars.
5. Unusual, cool or rare trade tokens.
6. Unusual, cool or rare watch fobs, buttons, medallions, etc
7. A rare or valuable coin
There are a few of you that have very nice 'display frames' to show items from specific sites that have been extra good to you or to show off groups of buttons, old keys or other specific items. These are impressive and would make a great conversation piece when visitors come over.
