Handling and Storing your Bullion Coin

Bullion coins are some of the most beautifulcontaminants.
objects to collect. Since all bullion coins are minted3. Never breath onto the coin surface, the
from precious metals that are easily susceptiblemoisture from human breaths can cause
to tarnish or markings from mishandling ordiscoloration which would be hard to remove if
exposure to the environment, proper storing andever possible at all.
handling of bullion coins are important to preserveThere are many solution offered in the market in
their beauty and collectible (some say resale)storing and displaying your coin collection, in fact
value. We can even went as far as to surmisenowadays many fresh-out-of-the-mint bullion coins
that collecting bullion coins requires skills,comes in plastic containers that does an excellent
knowledge and investment far more advancedjob in protecting your investment.
than normal coin collecting as proper know how in1. For display and short term storage purposes
acquisition, storage method and handling isfor lower value coins, coin albums and flips provide
essential to preserve the value of your coinadequate protection and effective display for
portfolio. Because bullion coins are generally highlarge selection of coin, however since albums and
priced, a single tarnish, scratch mark or evenflips are not fully air tight, the coins might suffer
thumb print could devalue the coin verydiscoloration from air moisture and contaminant
substantially, in the case of Proofs or Brilliantafter long periods of time. Therefore this method
Uncirculated(BU) coins, to less than half of itscannot be applied for the more valuable coins of
original value.your collection. One should also take note that the
The first and foremost rule in handling bullion coinscoin albums and flips should not be made of PVC
is to handle them as less often as possible, betteras PVC decompose when reacting the heat and
yet, never at all. Gold bullion coins can easily showlight , the resulting chemical reaction releases
dent marks or scratch even from the slightesthydrochloric acid which will slowly render your
"accidents" as gold are very soft and malleablecoins worthless!!!
metal, this is more prevalent with coins that have2. The most common and economical solution is
exceptionally high purity like the Canadian Goldto use 2x2 cardboard containers lined with Mylar
Maple Leaf (.9999 fineness). Silver on the otherplastics, the coin can be placed on the Mylar and
hand is notorious for being easily tarnished whenthe container can be fold over to enclose the coin
exposed to even minute amounts of moisture inand snapped shut. This provide a high level of
air or even human skin. Therefore if you mustprotection at an affordable price for the majority
handle your coin, there is a few guidelines thatof your coin collection.
should be taken into consideration:3. For the most valuable coins in your collection, a
1. Hold your coin by its edges, never touch thecoin slab provides maximum protection against
surface of the coin with your bare fingers as thethe elements albeit at a steeper investment, they
acidity of human skin would result in color changeare made from hermetically sealed hard plastic
or wear marks that would tarnish the surface ofholders in which individual coins are encased.
the coin. Preferably, wear a soft cotton glovePracticing proper care in handling and storing bullion
when handling bullion coins.coins is very similar to learning how to protect
2. Be very careful not to drop, bump or rub youryour financial investment, which in the long run
coin against hard surfaces as this might easilycan insure you against disappointment and
result in dents or scratch marks, place foam orprotection from serious financial losses due to
soft pads on the table when you are examiningdeterioration of your coin collection, therefore
the coin to prevent the coin from scratches,making your coin collecting experience much more
ensure that the environment that the coin comesrewarding.
into contact with is dry, clean and free of