How to Preserve Coins

Preserving a coin is a matter of a few simple habits and purchases.

Condition is one of the keys to a coin's value. Unfortunately, coins are prone to damage from a variety of sources. Bumps and scrapes from contact with other coins, reactive particles of dust, the oils in human fingertips and even the oxygen in the air can damage a coin. However, by purchasing a few inexpensive items and adopting some sensible habits, you can maintain your coins in a pristine condition indefinitely.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton gloves
• Blotter
• Soft brush
• Coin holders
• Airtight box

Instructions

1. Wear cotton gloves whenever you handle coins. Don't place unprotected coins onto a hard surface such as a wooden or glass desk while studying them. Instead, put down a blotter or cloth first, something to cushion them a little. Dust the coins with a very soft brush before returning them to storage.

2. Place the coins individually in lined cardboard mounts called 2-by-2s, a relatively inexpensive item available at numismatic supply outlets. Avoid storing your coins in flip-folders or general purpose, three-ring-binders, because these will do little to protect them from contact with each other or from the atmosphere. Once stapled shut, the mounts provide a level of protection from dust and air adequate for coins of lesser value. For more valuable coins, use hard plastic capsules. At several dollars each, these are expensive to buy in bulk, but they offer airtight seals and solid protection.

3. House your collection in one or more airtight boxes. It's possible to purchase holders designed to take multiple 2-by-2s, as well as boxes lined with non-reactive cardboard--both available online and costing about $8 as of 2010--but the kind of airtight plastic container sold in most supermarkets will perform the same function rather more cheaply.

Tips & Warnings

• Before storing it in a 2-by-2 or capsule, capture your coin with a digital camera. A good photographic record spares you from having to examine the coin by hand late.

• Coins can suffer in a humid atmosphere, so don't keep your collection in a damp basement.

References

• "2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins"; George S. Cuhaj; 2010