How to Care for your Coin Collection
If you are new to the world of coin collecting, you may be surprised by some of the various techniques used to care for coins. You may even be a little be frightened by how obsessive some people are over the cleanliness of their coin collections. But when you think about how much these could be earning you in the long-term, you’d want to make sure they’re in tip-top shape, too.
How to Care for Your Coin Collection
However, this is all with good cause. Since you are a newbie, you probably aren’t aware of all the ins and outs of caring for a coin collection. The more attention to detail you pay, the more value your collection retains. For a great place to start learning more about the industry, Whitman Publishing has some of the most up-to-date information and supplies on coin collecting information and supplies.
1. Leave your coin in its holder, if it came with one. Improper handling is the number one cause of damage and loss of value for most coin collections. Some collectors may want to transfer their coins from a holder to a special case or album. This requires you to touch the coin, but be sure to only touch the coin by its edges. Acids and oils from you skin can cause damage to the face of a coin.
Some people recommend using cotton gloves to handle a coin. While this works, it also makes your coin more difficult to handle. Dropping a coin can cause damage that significantly reduces its value.
Some collectors will even go as far as telling you not to breathe on your coin. If you are really seeking top value, this may not be a bad idea.
2. Use a coin folder for large collections. Coin folders are a very simple and inexpensive way to store your coins. They are made from cardboard and open up like a book and have pages where the coins can be placed securely inside.
Folders may be made for building specific sets, or they may house your entire collection until it becomes bigger. Unfortunately, folders may not be the best for coin collecting, as they expose your collection to the elements and only allow you to see one side of the coin.
They may work best for a child who is beginning his or her first collection.
3. Coin albums may very well be the best choice for people looking to begin a serious hobby. Albums store coins in a similar method to coin folders, but offer a substantially larger amount of protection.
Like folders, they have slots available for the storage of each individual coin. However, they allow you to view both sides of the coin. They also are covered by a plastic insert, which provides protection from fingerprints and other forms of accidental damage.
Insider Tip: When it comes time to sell or trade your coins, you will want to communicate to the guy on the other side of the table you are someone who takes care of your stuff. That way, you will receive the best deal.
If you spot a really good deal right away, now you know how to take care of the coin if you choose to purchase it. And, you know the difference between albums and folders, and who they may work best for. Now, it’s time to get out there and start collecting coins!
About the Author
Erin Everhart is a blogger and writer for 352 Media Group. Originally from Atlanta but born and bred a University of Florida Gator, Erin is an avid tennis player, music nerd, travel junkie and one of the few people who actually likes grammar.