Home >> Collecting >> Coin Collecting

How to Care for Old Coins

Condition is one of the key factors in judging the value of an old coin, so it's important to take good care of the ones in your possession. This means not only guarding against the bumps and scratches that might be caused by one coin coming into contact with another, but also the potential damage from less likely sources such as the atmosphere and your very own fingertips. However, if you follow a few simple habits and buy the appropriate storage materials, there shouldn't be a problem.

Things You'll Need

Soft cloth
Cotton gloves
Soft paintbrush
Coin holders
Airtight box

Instructions

- 1
  Spread out a soft cloth before examining old coins on your table or desk to cushion them against the hard surface.
- 2
  Wear cotton gloves when handling the coins to protect them from the acids in your skin. These gloves are available at many pharmacies.
- 3
  Dust the coins lightly with a very soft paintbrush before storing them to remove any reactive particles from the surrounding atmosphere, as they can cause corrosion.
- 4
  Store the coins individually rather than packing them into a single folder. For a few cents each, you can buy mylar-lined cardboard squares known as 2-by-2s -- mylar being a nonreactive transparent plastic. These will protect your old coins from dust, from your fingertips and, to a degree, from each other. As oxygen itself is a peril, valuable coins should be stored in airtight plastic capsules. These offer the best all-around protection, but have the disadvantage of retailing in the range of a dollar each. Both of these items are available from online numismatic accessories stores.
- 5
  Keep your collection in an airtight box for further protection. If you don't wish to buy a special display box, an airtight lunchbox is equally effective.

Coin Collecting