How to Store Old Currency

Throughout history, currency has been in the form of beads, shells, popular grains, or precious metals. Today, most currency is stored on paper. Prior to checks and the currency we use today, bank notes were used, which were also printed on paper. Storing bank notes is much like the process used to store any antique on organic material like paper.

Instructions

1. Determine the value of your currency. Highly valuable currency should be stored differently than low-cost currency.

2. Purchase archival grade Mylar holders or albums. You can buy these from any office supplies store. These holders are expensive and will cost a great deal more than the note itself unless the currency is of value. The average cost is anywhere from $12 to $350, depending on the need.

3. Purchase polyester 5 x 8 holders for low-cost old currency. The average cost is 30-40 cents each, depending on the quantity bought.

4. Stay away from holders containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as it can react with the paper. The best holders are crystal clear.

5. Store is a cool, dry place. A basement is ideal.

References

• Misterbanknote: Storevalue
• Sellitstore: Mylar

Resources

• BankNotes