How to Preserve Paper Currency

Purchase the necessary storage materials. Normal household stationery made of plastic won't do. Most plastic varieties commonly available contain PVC, which can leach out into the currency notes and damage them. Look for plastic envelopes made of materials like polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester, and buy those. The best option recommended by experts is a Mylar holder made of a special type of polymer.

Insert the currency into the holder. Wash and dry your hands. Carefully hold the currency note by the edges and slowly insert each one into a separate sleeve. To save space, place more than one note in a single holder, separated by acid-free paper. This will prevent the damage of notes due to friction.

Arrange the holders. Insert the individual Mylar holders into a binder.

Store the binder. Put the binder in a storage box and keep the box in a place that is not exposed to excessive heat and humidity. Don't store the binder in the attic or the basement. Keep it in a clean place that is dry and not infested by insects. Choose a location that is not directly exposed to harsh fluorescent light or direct sunlight; light can cause subtle changes in the paper's composition and make the currency brittle.