7 GUIDELINES FOR THE PROPER CARE OF YOUR PRECIOUS METAL COINS
It is critical, whether you are investing, building, or simply maintaining a numismatic coin catalog, that you properly care for your coins to ensure they retain their value. When damage does occur to a gold, platinum, silver, or palladium coin, its value drastically diminishes, and its resale price can be reduced.
damage can significantly lower the value of coins. this includes corrosion, rim blemishes, improper cleaning, fingerprints, smudges, contact marks, nicks, scratches, gouges, irregular toning, bending, holes, and PVC holders.
Part of protecting your precious metal coins is to gain an understanding of how to care for them. No matter the type of coin proper care is fundamental to eliminate damage. Proof sets and brilliant uncirculated sets are extremely susceptible to damage due to their mirror-like finish. Gold coins are extremely soft and therefore easily damaged, the higher the gold’s purity the more malleable they are. Silver coins have the potential to tarnish and although it does not affect the silver content it can affect their overall value. Fortunately, you can avoid most damage by preserving the condition of your coins through appropriate handling and care.
Here are some essential guidelines for safeguarding the luster and condition of your coins.
1.HAVE CLEAN HANDS OR GLOVES
Whenever you are handling your coins, putting them into new holders, or removing them from proof sets, it is best to wear deluxe lint-free cotton gloves. Do not, however, wear latex or plastic gloves, because they are coated with powers and lubricants. If you don’t have cotton gloves available be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water, and dry well before handling.
2. PLACE ON A SOFT SURFACE
It is best to use a pad or a soft piece of fabric over your work surface when handling your coins to minimize any damage that can occur. A soft workplace will help to ensure the coins are not damaged if accidentally dropped.
3. HOLD BY THE EDGE
Dirt and oil from your hands will negatively affect the surface of the coin. It is best to always handle your coins, rounds, or bars by their edges and not by the face to eliminate any damage a permanent impression of a fingerprint can leave.
4. DO NOT BREATHE ON THE SURFACE
It is recommended that you do not breathe, talk, or sneeze near your coins for saliva droplets can create unsightly and permanent spots on the surface. Never ever use your saliva to clean the surface of a coin.
5. DO NOT CLEAN OR SHINE
It may be tempting to clean or shine coins but they will not fetch a higher price than unkempt versions. When coins are cleaned or rubbed they will show scratches, hairlines, and lack of luster creating irreparable damage that lowers their value.
In contrast numismatic coins that have been stored and handled correctly tend to appreciate as they show their age.
6. ONLY HANDLE WHEN NECESSARY
If you desire to keep your coins in prime condition your best defense against damage is to keep them properly stored away.
7. STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE
To avoid corrosion and undesirable toning you will need to keep your coins in a cool, dry place so they are not exposed to humidity, moisture, heat, or sunlight. Equally important is the type of storage container you place your coins inside. The optimal way to store them is to stack them in piles or separate them with plain cardboard sheets or other non-reactive materials. Popular plastic sleeves are not considered airtight and may even trap moisture. PVC soft flip containers and bags release acidic gases that can contribute to corrosion. Both are not recommended for long-term storage. The best containers are airtight ones, hold a number of the same size coin, or are made with natural materials.
