| The art of collecting coins is an interesting, yet | | | | ensure it stays prized and valuable. |
| sometimes tedious task. The coins you cherish | | | | Expert coin collectors stress that coins normally |
| and collect should always be carefully handled, in | | | | go through a natural process called toning, which |
| order to reduce the possibility of causing | | | | refers to a chemical reaction wherein the atoms |
| unnecessary wear and tear on these. | | | | on the coin's surface react with sulfur compounds, |
| Highly-valued coins should as well, be properly | | | | often leading to the tarnishing of the coin's |
| cared for, because these will be given a grade | | | | surface. This is a non-reversible process however, |
| depending on its actual condition and state, and its | | | | although some professional collectors indicate that |
| price as well would be determined by the grade. | | | | the coin may be repaired through a dipping |
| The higher the coin's grade, then the higher its | | | | process, which should strip the unwanted particles |
| value should be. Proper coin handling helps to | | | | or substances from the coin's surface. Natural |
| reduce the risk of putting any harmful substances | | | | toning, on the other hand, may also help towards |
| that may lead to spots or changes in the coin's | | | | increasing the coin's value. |
| color, to help retain its value and grade. | | | | Cleaning coins may seem like a good idea; |
| Coins that are generally uncirculated or Proof | | | | however, most avid coin collectors shun this |
| should never be touched or clumsily handled. | | | | practice. While you may think that clean and shiny |
| These should also not be held on the edges, since | | | | coins offer better value, the most seasoned of |
| mere fingerprints may do a lot of damage, and | | | | collectors would rather opt to have coins that |
| reduce its grade and value as well. In addition, | | | | retain their original appearance, since unsafely |
| avoid holding coins in front of your mouth, | | | | cleaning a coin may lead to a reduction of its |
| because small amounts of moisture could lead to | | | | value by half or more. Wiping a coin is also seen |
| the formation of spots on the coin's surface. | | | | as a no-no, because even using soft cloth would |
| Whenever you need to place down a coin outside | | | | be enough to cause tiny, minute scratches on its |
| of its holder, ensure that it's laid down on a clean | | | | surface. Properly cleaning coins should be done in |
| and soft surface. You may also lay down a coin | | | | a manner that is comparable to the way an art |
| on a soft velvet pad, or on a clean, soft cloth or | | | | collector tries to restore a classic masterpiece. If |
| sheet of paper. More importantly, you should | | | | unsure, coin cleaning should then be best left to |
| never drag coins across any surfaces, so that | | | | the professional cleaners, who have the skill and |
| you would avoid scratching or tearing its edges. | | | | experience in different coin cleaning techniques. |
| Some collectors even wear clean white cloth or | | | | Some expert cleaners for example, soak a coin in |
| surgical gloves when handling valuable coins, to | | | | olive oil or soapy water for days, to safely |
| make sure that their coin collections remain neat, | | | | remove dirt and other foreign substances, and |
| shiny and in tiptop shape. A number of specialized | | | | then rinse these with tap water and then dry it |
| coin holders are available today, and these help to | | | | with compressed air. |
| provide adequate protection to the coin, and | | | | |