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How to Tone-Proof Coins

A toned coin in the world of numismatics is one that is tarnished, discolored or dirty. According to Reid Goldsborough, toning due to the natural aging of a coin is a form of corrosion, like rust on iron. The coin-collecting world is split in its views of toned coins, and some numismatists go to great lengths to achieve the look of a toned coin. However, since natural toning is due to a coin's exposure to the elements, there are steps you can take to tone-proof coins.

Things You'll Need

Cotton gloves
Soft towel or jeweler's felt pad
Felt bags or small plastic bags
Coin-holding products

Instructions

- 1
  Wash your hands before handling coins.
- 2
  Wear cotton gloves when handling coins to protect them from fingerprints and oils from your skin. If you do not own cotton gloves, hold coins by their edge, between your thumb and forefinger.
- 3
  Place a soft towel or jeweler's felt pad on the surface you are working on in case you drop any coins.
- 4
  Store your coins in products specifically designed for coins. These products include coin flips, 2-by-2-inch cardboard holders with Mylar, plastic coin holders, polyethylene sleeves, paper envelopes specifically made for holding coins and slabs. Slabs are hard, plastic coin holders that sonically seal a coin within the special case.

Coin Collecting