How To Handle Coins

Posted by slang on December 19, 2008

It is critical to know how to handle a coin as any slightest posibility of having wear or substances that may lead to spot or color changes will reduce the coin price value.

Normally, the coins should always be protected in the coin holder. Hence, think very carefully as to the need(s) to remove any of your coin.

If yes, remember the following basic but pertinent points:

• NEVER touch an uncirculated or Proof coin anywhere but the EDGE. Fingerprints alone may reduce the coin’s grade and consequently its value. Always have the habits to pick up any collectible coins by their edges regardless of grade otherwise your friends or coin collectors will curse you!
• AVOID holding numismatic items in front of your mouth as any particles of moisture may cause spots
• When PLACING a coin down outside of a holder, place it on a clean, soft surface. For expensive coin perhaps on a velvet cloth otherwise on a clean soft cloth or clean piece of blank paper.

If you are handling VERY VALUABLE or uncirculated or higher grade circulated coins, experts advocate wearing clean white cloth or surgical gloves and a mask

Caring And Protecting Your Coins Collection

Posted by slang on April 19, 2008

For beginners coin collectors, it is important that you should protect your coin investment by taking the time to learn how to properly handle, clean, store and protect your rare coins. Experts advocate the following no’s, no’s during the care and maintenance of coins:

• Do not touch your coins with your bare fingers. You will definitely cause damage to them, especially if you collect higher grade coins, mint-state and proof coins. This is because your fingers contain oils and miniscule pieces of grit that will adhere to the coins and cause them to discolor or suffer microscopic scratching. When you handle your coins, wear cotton or latex gloves, and handle only the edges.

• Do not clean your coins maybe with the exception of newly dug up coins as cleaning or polishing your coins will do more harm than good. Once metal has been exposed to the air, it is natural for it to oxidize, or tone. If you strip the coin of this toning, not only will you lose any remaining mint luster, the coin will appear harsh and unappealing, and suffer microscopic abrasions that lower its grade. Plus, toned coins are worth more than stripped coins.

• Do not break open any original or permanent coin holder as this will greatly redue the value of your mint set and proof set coins. The holders, along with the box and literature (if any) are part of the “set” and should be kept intact and pristine. Similarly, coins that have been slabbed are worth a premium in their protective cases. Never remove coins from these types of permanent holders.
• Do not expose the coins to acid for example storing in envelopes, wrapped in paper, with your notations beside the coins, or in cardboard boxes unless you are careful to use acid-free paper materials. Over time, the paper material breaks down, releasing acidic chemicals around your coins. This causes spotting, discoloration, and can promote oxidation (toning) of your bright, mint surfaces. Be sure to buy only acid-free paper and cardboard supplies for your coin collection.
• Do not expose your coins to the elements. By storing yours coins in the attic or basement expose them to the extremes of temperature and humidity which promote oxidation. Also, these conditions quickly break down the storage materials like flips,paper and cardboard, plastic containers,etc your coins are organized in. To protect your coin collection, it’s best to store in dark, dry temperature-controlled environment such as a safe deposit box or specialized coin cabinet.