Storing Your Collection
- Keep coins cool and dry. Sharp changes in temperature and moisture cause discoloration that devalues coins. ...
- Use original holders. All modern coin sets and coins should be bought and sold in original cases and capsules. ...
- Save documentation. Some coins and coin sets come with a certificate of authenticity and/or an information card.
- Keep them safe. ...
How do you organize your coin collection?
Tips to better organize your coins!
- Organize by country of origin World coin collectors will do well to group their coins by country. ...
- Organize by denomination and coin type It can be helpful to group your coins by denomination, such as all your half-dollars together, dimes, etc. ...
- Organize by mint year Year is a common secondary method of organization, often going from oldest to newest coins in folders, albums, or other storage methods. ...
- Organize alphabetically Alphabetical organization just makes sense to some people. If you’re a bibliophile at heart, you may naturally lean towards alphabetizing your coin collection. ...
- Organize by historical periods For the real history buffs out there, it can be fun to organize coins by historical periods, such as US presidential eras, war times, or ...
- Organize by value It is best to store high-value coins separately from the rest of your collection. ...
- Leave gaps in your albums or folders Don’t forget to leave spaces in your albums or folders for coins you still want to acquire. ...
- Keep meticulous records
How to store your coin collection properly?
Store your coin collection at home in a fire-proof safe. Not only will the safe protect the coins from thievery, but it will also keep them safe if there’s a fire or other natural disaster. Keep the safe somewhere out of the way, like in a spare room or closet. [10]
Where and how to sell your collectible coins?
Sell your coins through an online auction. Online auctions generally take a cut of the transaction, so take this into account when deciding whether the price offered is worth it. You can try selling your coins on eBay, or on a specific coin-auction site.
How to display your coin collection?
Coin folders are super easy to utilize, simply open it, find the slot that matches your coin and slot in. Also, they are the cheap way to display your coin collection. Displaying your coins is an excellent way to share them with the people around you. Stuffing them in the box will damage them.
Is it OK to store coins in plastic?
It's not a good idea to store coins in certain types of plastic. You should avoid long term storage with materials that contain polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), since these chemicals can discolor coins. PVC-containing plastics tend to be flexible and strong, so it's better to choose rigid plastic containers for coins.
Where should coins be stored at home?
Extremes such as a basement (cold and humid) or attic (hot and harsh) must be avoided to keep your coin collection in the finest condition possible. A location in a den or bedroom is the best location.
What is the best container to store coins?
Groups of Coins, or Collections are best stored in plastic coin boxes, such as sold by PCGS, NGC and Whitman, and which will hold 20, separated, “slabbed” coins, of any size. Another alternative is a cardboard coin storage box (single and double; red, blue or black), which stack easily on each other.
Should I clean coins before storing them?
Generally speaking, uncirculated coins should never be cleaned. The abrasive chemicals of cleaning products can discolor a coin, and the wiping or polishing process leaves tiny scratches on a coin's surface.
Which is the wealth corner of the house?
When you stand in your bedroom door, the far left corner that you can see is the wealth corner. You can activate the wealth corner of your room by placing purple accessories or furniture, a living green houseplant and a small flowing water fountain.
Do coin albums damage coins?
Some coin albums can hold up to 200 coins in one album. However, coin albums also have the same disadvantage of coin folders. For example, if the material that the album is made out of contains some trace amounts of sulfur or acids, these can leach out of the album page and cause damage to your coin.
What are three different ways to store a coin collection?
Holders can be stored in small boxes or transparent album pages in a binder. But pre-printed albums with spaces for each coin in a particular series also are a convenient way to house date or mintmark collections. Again, hard plastic and other inert materials provide the most protection.
Are cardboard flips safe for coins?
By placing a coin in an individual holder, it immediately stops further wear or damage from contact. Cowen's Mylar 2x2 Cardboard Flip: It's very possible you recognize these; they have been in long time use by both collectors and dealers.
How do you prevent coins from rusting?
Essential steps to preventing silver coin tarnish are:Handle them as little as possible, or if necessary with white cotton gloves. ... Keep silver coins in a cool, dry place. ... Store coins inside or with a VCI protective product.
Why does cleaning a coin devalue it?
This is because anything that touches a coin has the potential to damage it at the microscopic level. The more abrasive a cleaner is used to clean the coin, the more likely it is to remove the upper surface of the coin - damage that can never be undone.
What do you do with a coin collection?
Coin Dealers. If you want to sell the collection as quickly as possible, and at competitive rates, your best option may be to sell your collection to a local coin dealer or coin shop. ... Auction Houses. Auction houses may be a good option if you're selling a large collection of rare and valuable coins. ... eBay.
What do coin collectors use to clean coins?
0:582:14Coin Collecting : How Do I Clean Dirty Coins? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd again only very cheap and expensive coins i wouldn't use chemicals or anything. Else. HoweverMoreAnd again only very cheap and expensive coins i wouldn't use chemicals or anything. Else. However you can use silver polishes.
Can you store coins in ziplock bags?
A Ziploc bag or other plastic bag will most certainly contain some PVC, as do most inferior grade plastic products. A few years down the road, readers of this article who have followed Higdon's advice and used a baggie to store their coins may find their coins irrepairably damaged and much less valuable as a result.
How do you prevent oxidation on coins?
Essential steps to preventing silver coin tarnish are:Handle them as little as possible, or if necessary with white cotton gloves. ... Keep silver coins in a cool, dry place. ... Store coins inside or with a VCI protective product.
How should I store my silver coins?
Use an enclosed container that will minimize its exposure to air, and one that won't scratch your coins or bars. Storing silver bullion (and jewelry and silverware) in a soft cloth can slow down tarnishing. If your silver does eventually tarnish, use a cleaner specifically designed for silver.
How do you protect uncirculated coins?
Hold a coin by its edges between your thumb and forefinger over a soft towel or surface. Wear soft cotton gloves to protect the coin's surface from fingerprints and the natural oils on your skin, which can be corrosive. While you may be tempted to polish your coins to make them look shiny and new, proceed with caution.
Why do we need to store coins?
Coin collections have a profound and rich history, and to preserve that history you need to store your coins so they will not get damaged. Properly stored coins will be worth more and will provide more money to your heirs when it comes time to sell them. Mints make coins out of metal, and except for gold, most will react negatively ...
What are the threats to coin collection?
This will protect your home, your family, and coin collection from various threats. these threats include intruders, fire, flood, and drastic temperature changes.
How does air pollution affect coins?
Not only is air pollution harmful to our health, but it is also detrimental to the health of our coin collections. Air pollution is mostly a problem in dense urban areas where air pollution from vehicles can accumulate as smog and penetrate the surrounding buildings. Over the years steps have been taken to reduce the number of harmful gases that vehicles emit, but they can still exist in sufficient quantity to damage a coin. Avoid storing your coins in an area that is near a garage or storage area that contains petroleum products.
What is the biggest enemy of coins?
Humidity is a coin's biggest enemy. Copper and silver coins are one of the most common metals used in the production of coins. Unfortunately, these two metals will react chemically when they come in contact with water. Water vapor is all around us in varying degrees and it can seep into just about anything.
What happens if you drop a coin on a hard surface?
Also, dropping a coin onto a hard surface can cause irreparable damage that will reduce the coin's value.
What causes pits on coins?
Chlorine. Chlorine causes a chemical reaction that will negatively impact the appearance of your coins. This can range from minor unsightly toning to corrosion that causes pits in the surface of the coin. One of the main sources of this is flips made from plastic that contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Is it safe to store coins in a bookcase?
Although not as secure as a safe, a locking metal cabinet will provide a safe environment for your collection since it does not have the problems associated with wood. Be careful where you locate your metal cabinet because metal tends to attract moisture in the form of condensation. Extracting this humidity from the air and placing it on your coins can be very detrimental. Protecting, preserving and storing your coin collection properly will ensure your coins will be enjoyed by generations yet to come.
What is the size of a coin holder?
Most holders for single coins share a common size — two inches square. Cardboard "2 x 2s" have coin-sized windows covered by a thin layer of Mylar (polyester film) and typically are stapled shut. Flips, most with two plastic pouches, are the most flexible. Hard-plastic holders generally are round or square, two-piece capsules.
Do coins need protection?
It is less obvious, but no less important, that coins need protection after they become part of your collection. The insidious effects of exposure to the atmosphere and other hazards can alter a coin's appearance over time, turning prized pieces into shadows of their former selves.
Why is it important to store coins?
If you have just started collecting coins then one of the most important things you need to learn is how to properly store and display your coins. Any damage to your coins such as scratches, discolouration and fingerprints can bring their value down by half.
Why are coin holders unique?
These holders are unique because they allow you a 360° view of the coin, including the edge of the coin. This allows you to see any writing that may be on the side of the coin.
What is a coin folder?
Coin Folders. A coin folder is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to organize and store your coins. Coin folders are cardboard pages that have holes cut in to them to fit the coins exactly and hold them in place. Beneath the coin is a label clearly showing the description of the coin to help with identification.
How many coins are in a coin album?
However, whereas with coin folders you have limited space and protection for your coins, coin albums usually have space for around 100 coins, with larger albums holding double that.
What is the label on a coin?
Beneath the coin is a label clearly showing the description of the coin to help with identification. It is important to note however, that only one side of the coin will be visible and the coins will be exposed to the elements, making them harder to preserve.
Do coin albums have plastic?
Unlike coin folders, coin albums do have plastic protection for your coins, meaning that they are protected from the elements and you can see both sides of the coin.
What are the pros and cons of a coin?
Pros: Relatively inexpensive, easy to label. Cons: Coins can easily slide around inside slides, which could result in small scratches on the coin's surface. Ask Question.
What is a slab for coins?
Slabs are sonically sealed hard plastic holders, in which hold individual coins are held . Slabs offer excellent long-term protection but, are expensive and are generally used to store coins greater value.#N#Pros: Perhaps the best way to store your coins.#N#Cons: Expensive.
What is a plastic coin flip?
Plastic coin flips provide a good mean of storage, allowing you to view the coin without removing it from the holder. Coin flips are not air tight, but they are a good mean for short term storage of coins intended to be untouched.
Where to store coin collection?
Bedroom/ Den: When storing your coin collection in your home, you must keep them in a room that does not have extreme temperatures or humidity. The bedroom or a den is usually the safest place because these areas tend to have a comfortable temperature and humidity level.
Where to store coins?
Make sure you keep your coins in a room far enough away from the kitchen and bathroom so that heat, moisture, and cooking oils don’t affect the coins. Safe Deposit Box: Keeping your coin collection in a safe deposit box at the bank is the safest storage option, but can also be quite expensive.
How do coins get exposed to chlorine?
The most common way coins are exposed to chlorine is from plastic coin holders that contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Make sure your plastic coin holders are PVC free. Air Pollution: Common air pollution can have a damaging effect on coins over time.
How to protect coins from environmental damage?
The best way to protect your coins from the damaging environmental factors discussed above is to use coin storage supplies such as folders, coin albums, 2X2 coin holders, flips, and slabs . Each coin storage product has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when deciding which of these products is best for your coin collection. The main coin storage options are explained in further detail below:
What is a coin folder?
Folders: Coin folders are folding sheets of cardboard that contain slots to hold coins. They are one of the most inexpensive options for coin storage and are best for low value coins. The main drawback of coin folders is that only one side of the coin is seen and exposed to air. The side of the coin that is unexposed can experience toning as ...
What causes a coin to be damaged?
Main Causes of Coin Damage. Find out which are the main causes of coin damage that can threaten your collection. Most coins contain the metals silver and copper which are very reactive metals. The type of corrosion that copper experiences for example can be seen on old pennies that have dark green spots. The following are the main causes of coin ...
Why is it important to store coins?
There are many environmental factors that can damage your coins and lower their value. Proper coin storage will help protect your coins from damage and preserve their aesthetic appeal and monetary value. This guide contains important tips to protect your coin collection from the most damaging environmental factors and store them safely.
What is the best way to store coins?
Again, there are a range of options. The most basic option starts with cardboard storage boxes. From there, there are wooden boxes and aluminum-sided cases, which often have padded inserts for keeping individual coins secure in their holders. These may also be called presentation cases.
Where to store coins?
By far, the most common location for storing coin collections is home. It makes sense so you can have your coins at hand to admire, display, or even sell when the time is right.
What is a safe deposit box?
Safe deposit boxes at your bank are a great option for storing a few precious coins. They are secure and locked away from theft. You won’t be able to admire your coins readily, but you can rest easy knowing they are safe.
What are the best qualities for coin storage?
Remember, by placing coins on display, you may be exposing them to elements such as heat and sunlight or potentially inviting theft. Cool and dry are still the best qualities for coin storage. 2. Storage unit. Though a storage unit can seem convenient, they come with several drawbacks.
What is a slab coin?
Your rare and high-value coins belong in a Slab ( Check it Here Amazon) for optimal protection. Slabs are plastic cases that have been sonically sealed and are therefore airtight. Inside the hard-shell case, the coin sits inside a softer plastic to give it a nice cozy resting spot that keeps it from vibrating or shifting to prevent damage.
What is coin album?
With all that history at your fingertips, and coins easily viewable from both sides, albums are great for everyday storage so you can peruse your collection and show it to your friends.
What is a folder in coins?
Folders are made of thick cardboard that has circular cut-outs for coins to be inserted.
Why is it important to store coins?
Storing a coin collection properly is important to maintaining its value. The typical coin jar with coins mixed together in a container will not suffice for a serious collector. Coins in this situation will rub against each other, causing damage, and will tarnish more readily.
What is the best envelope for coins?
Small paper envelopes that are designed for coins can be a good economical choice. Paper envelopes are easy to label and store and prevent the coin jar issue of coins rubbing together. When looking for coin envelopes, be sure to find ones that are labeled as “acid free” and that are specifically made for coins.
What is a slab coin?
Slabs are more permanent, sealed plastic coverings that are professionally applied . Due to the cost involved, slabs are best applied to individual coins with high value. At the time coin is slabbed, it may also be graded and certified by a third party with the certification included in the slab.
Can you store coins in the attic?
For example, storing coins in an attic may not be advisable. High humidity can also be a problem for your coins.
Can you keep coins in albums?
Albums or folders that hold multiple coins are another choice. Cheaper and more widely available folders and albums may not be ideal for long term coin since the chemicals in them , such as sulfur, can cause discoloration over time.
Is it worth storing coins?
Storing a coin collection properly is worth the upfront effort and cost. Maintaining your coins in the best condition and avoiding future damage for years to come should be a priority for a serious collector. Some storage solutions, such as a slab, may even add value to your coin.
How to store coins?
The easiest way to store coins is the use of two-by-two-inch Mylar® holders. This type of holder permits you to examine both sides of a coin and in such a manner that a fingerprint can not be left on the coin’s surface. These holders are available in sizes to accommodate every denomination of coin.
What is a coin folder?
Coin folders are an economical way to begin collecting. These are the type of holder that requires you to “push” the coin into its slot. There are no plastic slides to hold the coin in place. Do not use a finger to push the coin into its tight fitting hole. Use a cotton cloth or cotton gloves instead. Fingerprints are not welcome on collectible coins.
Why do you put coins in albums?
Coin albums are a much better way to keep a collection. Insist though on inert slides so as to remove fears of discoloration. Both sides of the coin can be viewed and enjoyed without the need to remove the coin. Remember, the more a coin is handled the greater the chance for some type of damage. Be sure to use cotton gloves or a small piece of cotton when inserting your coins in an album.
What is a slab coin?
There are specific products mad for holding an assortment of these slabs.
What size is a coin flip?
The so-called Coin Collecting “flips”, also in a two-by-two-inch size are another choice. These allow the viewing of both sides of the coin as well as the edge. The flip is divided into two sections. The front section is for the coin while the back section is reserved for the paper two-by-two card on which you may enter the date, denomination, grade and any other information that you require.
Do you have to examine coins in envelopes?
Circulated coins usually fare pretty well in these envelopes but you still need to examine them every so often, especially for the silver ones. Another Coin Collecting detriment to using this type of envelope is that you are unable to view the coin without first removing it.
Can you use a folder for uncirculated coins?
Tarnish and deep, unattractive toning will most likely result in time. And, please do not use this type of folder for uncirculated coins. They are fine to start a collection or to house a low-grade collection pulled from circulation but not so OK for more valuable and higher grade coins.
