| Coin collecting may not be a passive hobby as | | | | coins. Moreover, storing the coins in the basement |
| some might think. The hobby requires delicate | | | | or attic will expose the collectibles to an |
| attention to detail and proper handling of valuable | | | | environment that will break down the storage |
| coins. So how does one handle and maintain a coin | | | | containers. |
| collection properly? | | | | Coin storage |
| Touching Coins | | | | Storage is also a very important part of coin |
| Handing coins can have an effect on the coin's | | | | collecting maintenance. Find containers or plastic |
| condition. It's important to consider carefully how | | | | pockets that protect the coin from the elements. |
| you touch your coins. The fingers contain bodily | | | | Some you can find available in sheets at a hobby |
| oils and grit that might affect the coin's color or | | | | or coin collector shop. |
| cause scratches on the coin's face. In fact, | | | | Cleaning Coins |
| excessive touching may cause it to discolor. To | | | | You should seriously weigh the benefits and |
| be sure that you handle coins properly, wear latex | | | | disadvantages of cleaning coins. Sometimes |
| gloves. Another safe practice would be to handle | | | | cleaning or polishing a coin is not the right thing to |
| the coin on the edges since you won't affect the | | | | do, especially if the coin is in a packaged container. |
| front and back parts of the coin. | | | | If the coin becomes exposed to air, the metal |
| Breaking the holder or container would not be a | | | | may oxidize or lose it's toning. |
| good practice for coin collecting. By doing so, you'll | | | | Do not use metal cleaners to clean the collectibles. |
| decrease the value of the coin from a mint-issue | | | | Doing so will also have damaging consequences |
| package. If a minted coin has a holder, then the | | | | such as discoloring. |
| container is part of the set - meaning it's intended | | | | However, if washing is a must, make sure you |
| to be intact. Breaking it would make it less | | | | wash your hands with soap to remove oil or grit. |
| valuable. | | | | You can then apply a soapy bath for the coins in |
| Constant coin handling will ultimately diminish the | | | | a small container. Look for a plastic container since |
| value as well. If you have to touch the coin, it's | | | | hard surface containers like glass might affect the |
| best to wash your hand thoroughly. In addition, | | | | coin properties. Gently rub the sides of the coins |
| make sure that you don't put the coin on a hard | | | | once it's in the bath. When you complete cleaning, |
| surface. Placing the coin on such a surface could | | | | dry the coin with a soft towel. |
| cause scratches on the item's surface. | | | | Coin collecting is a hobby that one should be |
| Temperature and Humidity | | | | careful in maintaining the assets. Not applying |
| Coins for collecting should be placed in an area | | | | careful coin handling techniques could seriously |
| that is as close to room temperature. Coins in a | | | | affect the value of the coins. There are plenty of |
| damp or cold basement or in a hot attic will cause | | | | resources to help you get started with coin |
| coins to oxidize and ultimately age. Rooms that | | | | handling and care. |
| are dry should be what you should seek to store | | | | |