Proper handling and storage of coins

Proper handling and storage of collectible coins

First: do not clean your coins! Cleaned coins almost always loose significant value over mint state, uncleaned coins. Only an experienced numismatist should clean coins, and only then if the current state of the coin is so bad that cleaning is assured to increase it’s appeal and value.

Do not store coins loosely in boxes, jars, drawers, etc. This will only cause the coins to scratch and dent each other and degrade their value.

If you must hold the coins, use cotton gloves or only hold them only by their edges. Finger prints and the oils of you hand can degrade a coin – both it’s appeal and value.

Do not scratch, polish, rub, or apply anything to a surface of a coin.

Do not drop or drag coins against hard surfaces. Consider getting a soft mat to work on when handling coins (velvet, cloth, or other soft surfaces work well.)

Keep coins away from moisture and humid areas. (Do not cough or sneeze near coins, this can actually leave marks!). Use silica gel to protect against humidity. Consider using a fire safe for storage and protection.

Store coins in original mint holders or use archival quality storage containers (NO PVC!). These containers can include 2"x2" cardboard/mylar holders, Non-PVC clear holders, tubes, archival storage books -- or send the coin in for grading from a reliable grading service (they will "slab" or encapsulate the coin for you).

Edited by silverhawk - 11 Jul 2006 at 12:14pm

BECOKA wrote: sound advice. This is the first message that all new collectors need to read.

I think we need one more main forum dedicated to newbies.

What is your prefered choice of storage for you collection between the 2x2 cardboard/mylar and non-PVC clear flips?  Pros and Cons?

there are PVC in the cardboard 2 by 2s flips?  even the ones you get at the coins shops?

Thanks for the info folks.  I'm a newbie collector, so am just soaking it all in.  Handling and storage is one thing I'm really curious (and trying to be cautious) about.

Is there a good place online to buy storage devices?  Seems like most coin seller websites don't have any storage units.

Ideally for me, I'd like to be able to store coins, but also leave them fairly accessible for at least some form of handling - showing them off to friends and such; I know it may seem heretic, but it seems like a shame to store coins in a container that's not meant to be opened; e.g. the 2x2 cardboard and also slabbed (?).  I actually don't own any slabbed coins yet - are they basically meant to just not be opened?

Ideal for me seems like would be some kind of cloth pocket cointainer - something that you could easily take coins out of, but would also protect them from scratches and such.  Is there such a thing that you can buy, and if so has anyone had any experience with it?

Also with regards to handling - would something like light cotton gloves be good?  Or perhaps latex gloves?  Or would the latex be bad for coins?

Thanks again for the info.  Sorry if some of these are stupid questions.

ghost8hick wrote: Thanks for the info folks.  I'm a newbie collector, so am just soaking it all in.  Handling and storage is one thing I'm really curious (and trying to be cautious) about. Is there a good place online to buy storage devices?  Seems like most coin seller websites don't have any storage units. Ideally for me, I'd like to be able to store coins, but also leave them fairly accessible for at least some form of handling - showing them off to friends and such; I know it may seem heretic, but it seems like a shame to store coins in a container that's not meant to be opened; e.g. the 2x2 cardboard and also slabbed (?).  I actually don't own any slabbed coins yet - are they basically meant to just not be opened? Ideal for me seems like would be some kind of cloth pocket cointainer - something that you could easily take coins out of, but would also protect them from scratches and such.  Is there such a thing that you can buy, and if so has anyone had any experience with it? Also with regards to handling - would something like light cotton gloves be good?  Or perhaps latex gloves?  Or would the latex be bad for coins? Thanks again for the info.  Sorry if some of these are stupid questions.