| Special collector coins not intended for circulation | | | | cardboard box especially designed for the coin. |
| are being minted throughout the world by old, | | | | Boxes can contain words and images, which do |
| storied mints. These are sold to collectors at | | | | not really belong on any display case. Collectors |
| prices higher than face value. So it is quite natural | | | | often demand these boxes, and insist they be in |
| that collectors prefer that these coins retain, or | | | | excellent condition. Do be careful opening the box, |
| even better increase their value. | | | | since a slight tear on a flap can alter the value of |
| Generally, these coins come with extras. | | | | coin-package combination. Never discard the box |
| Retention of these extras is essential to | | | | that accompanied a coin from the mint. |
| preserving the value of these special coins. | | | | Often the mint includes a Certificate of |
| Some coins come mounted on special mint cards, | | | | Authenticity that gives the specifications for the |
| and sealed by the mint. These cards allow the | | | | coin and the total number of coins of that type |
| mint to say something about the coin design, or | | | | available for release. This is the mint's assurance |
| about the subject of that design. But these cards | | | | the coin is genuine, at least to the original owner. |
| also attest to the coin's being genuine. Not only | | | | Coins and Certificates of Authenticity can be |
| should the coin remain in the mint card, but the | | | | separated. In fact, some dealers sell COA's and |
| card itself should be preserved and kept from | | | | boxes for coins separate from the coin. These |
| damage. Some of these cards also function as a | | | | can then be associated with lesser value coins. |
| stand, and it is acceptable to utilize this feature if | | | | One thing that does help is the COA and the box |
| this does not cause damage to the card. | | | | nay have matching numbers, if the COA does in |
| More frequently coins are placed in small display | | | | fact have a number. A numbered COA's is more |
| cases that look like jewelry cases. These cases | | | | valued than a COA without a number. |
| usually house higher quality coins than one would | | | | Some sets come in a single case, and may either |
| find on a mint card. Unfortunately, any coin in a | | | | have one COA, or have one each for the coins. |
| display case is usually removable. This requires | | | | When several coins are together, if the numbers |
| care when opening the case since the coin can | | | | on their COA's match their value is enhanced. |
| tumble out, especially after the coin has been | | | | Mints frequently also include acrylic capsules. Never |
| jostled during shipping. | | | | open an acrylic capsule. It not only offers physical |
| Display cases are designed to be used in showing | | | | protection for the coin, but often offers |
| the coins they contain. | | | | environmental protection due to the vacuum |
| Occasionally, as with the Perth Mint's Dreaming | | | | inside. Opening the capsule exposes the coin to |
| Series, a special display case is designed. The | | | | the atmosphere, which may cause damage at |
| Perth Mint proudly includes in the description of | | | | some future time. Unfortunately, these capsules |
| the Dreaming Series coins information on the | | | | are easily scratched. Avoid unnecessary cleaning |
| exquisite display cases that contain them. These | | | | of any capsule, and handle only on the edge as |
| beautiful cases have wooden tops, and rotate | | | | you would handle the coin if the capsule were not |
| open on a single post. | | | | there. Care for that capsule as though it were a |
| The most uniquely beautiful case of which this | | | | coin. |
| author is aware is the one used by the New | | | | Many fine examples of these boxes and cases |
| Zealand Mint for the Gilded Lunar Animal Series | | | | can be viewed by opening coin descriptions on the |
| minted for Niue. The case has a unique shape, and | | | | Perth Mint website. Some other coins mentioned |
| a definite oriental appearance, making it appear to | | | | here are from the New Zealand Mint or from the |
| belong with the coin! | | | | Royal Canadian Mint. Links to these prestigious |
| The case used by the Royal Canadian Mint for | | | | mints can be found on the Black Spaniel Gallery |
| some $20 denomination proof hologram coins is | | | | website. Simply go to and go to the page with |
| plastic, and folds into a stand with the coin | | | | mint links. |
| viewable at a pleasing angle. These cases are | | | | In coin collecting a good rule to follow is if it came |
| longer than most others. | | | | with the coin, keep it with the coin. And always |
| Regardless of the type of display case used for a | | | | protect the coin and its included materials. |
| particular coin, it probably also comes in a | | | | |