PART TWO – How to store your Coins ?
SO, your coins are in plastic bags and in tins, under your bed, or they inherited from your granddad ?
Needless to say, if you want to become a coin collector this type of storage will be for coins of ZERO value, in general never store collectable coins in this way !!
As a numismatic, (yes this is the term you can call your self when you start collecting coins) the storage and handling of coins is an important aspect of coin collecting. Proper storage can help preserve the condition of the coins and maintain their value over time.
There are several ways to store coins, depending on the size and value of the collection. Some popular options include:
Coin albums or folders: These are a great option for storing smaller collections or for organizing a collection by denomination, date, or theme.
They typically have clear plastic pockets to insert the coins and provide a protective barrier against dust and dirt. On my Amazon affiliate links you can check out some nice coins albums ..... https://amzn.to/3k1MXRh or for a little less money https://amzn.to/3IGg5rH For your album you would need Coin Sleeves or pages such as these on Amazon https://amzn.to/3CSn11c
Something to keep in mind when selecting your Sleeves and albums are, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sleeves, these can be detrimental to the coins over time. PVC is a type of plastic that can release gases that can react with the metal in the coins, causing discolouration and other damage. This is known as PVC damage. The damage can be irreversible, and it can greatly decrease the value of the coin.
Instead of PVC sleeves, it's recommended to use acid-free, archival-quality holders or flips made of materials such as Mylar or polyethylene, these materials are safe for long-term storage and won't react with the metal in the coins.
Another alternative is using coin albums or folders with clear plastic pockets, which provide a protective barrier against dust and dirt.
Coin holders or flips: These are small plastic holders that are designed to hold one coin at a time. They are great for protecting individual coins from scratches and other damage. Some of what is available on Amazon .... Get your Plastic Double Pockets here https://amzn.to/3GAE6xH These coin Flips are self-adhesive - Nice - https://amzn.to/3IM1WcC
Airtight coin containers These are containers that are designed to keep coins safe from moisture and humidity. They are great for storing high-value coins or for protecting coins in a collection that is stored in a damp or humid environment.
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Safe deposit boxes: For larger and valuable collections, a safe deposit box at a bank is a great option to keep your coins safe and secure.
When it comes to handling coins, it's important to always handle them with care to prevent scratches or other damage. Hold the coin by the edges, using gloves if necessary, and avoid dropping them or stacking them on top of each other. As normal, Amazon also have these available and at a wonderful price https://amzn.to/3ZD2pnm
Here are a few tips on how to treat and store your coins: 1. Handle with care: Always handle coins by the edges to prevent scratches or other damage. Use gloves if necessary, and avoid dropping or stacking coins on top of each other.
2. Proper storage: Store your coins in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures, as these can damage the coins over time. Use coin albums, holders, flips, airtight containers, or safe deposit boxes to protect your coins from dust and damage.
3. Cleaning coins: Cleaning coins can damage them and decrease their value, it's best to leave them in the condition you received them. Some experts recommend that you avoid cleaning your coins at all, as the natural patina of age can add value to the coin.
If you must clean them, use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution such as water and mild soap, or a solution specifically designed for cleaning coins.
It's also important to note that cleaning coins can sometimes make them look better, but it can also decrease the value of the coin due to the fact that a coin with the natural patina of age is more valuable than a cleaned coin.
Silver in coins sometimes presents us with something called Verdigris.
Vidriagua is a greenish patina that can form on silver coins over time. It is also known as "silver rot", "silver disease" or "verdigris".
The patina is caused by the reaction of silver with sulphur compounds in the air and the acidity of human sweat. It forms a thin layer of copper acetate on the surface of the coin.
This can happen to any silver coin, but it's more common in coins that were in circulation for a long time and were exposed to environmental factors.
Vidriagua can also form on silver coins if they are not stored properly. For example, if they are stored in a humid or damp environment, or if they are stored in contact with other materials that can react with the silver.
Vidriagua can be unsightly and can decrease the value of the coin, but it can be removed with special cleaning solutions or by professional coin conservators.
However, it's important to note that cleaning a coin can damage it, so it's best to consult with a professional numismatist before attempting to clean a coin with vidriagua. So how many times have I said ... DO NOT CLEAN COINS !!
It's important to store silver coins in a cool and dry place, away from humidity and extreme temperatures, to prevent the formation of vidriagua.
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Coins can have various abbreviations and acronyms on them, which can have different meanings depending on the context and the coin's origin. Next up in Part Three, we talk about some of these that you as a prospective coin collector will run into ...