CARING FOR YOUR COINS

We all put a great deal of time and money into our collections, so it makes sense to give just as much care and attention into storing and looking after it. Here’s ten tips for collecting success. By Paula Hammond

Handle with care

It can be so tempting to take out your latest purchases and spend time admiring their sheen and lustre but, sadly, this isn’t really a good idea. Natural oils, plus dirt and grit on our hands, can cause serious damage to mint and proof coins. This is why many collectors only ever handle coins wearing clean, cotton gloves. However, even if your hands are clean (antiseptic sprays are invaluable), then coins should only be held on the edges and only for as long as absolutely necessary.

Create a coin work station

If you do need to examine a coin then, even if it’s an item of very little value, it’s worth taking sensible precautions. The last thing you want to do is dent or ding your prized possession by dropping it on the floor! Always have a clear and clean work station in which to view coins and make sure that any surfaces are covered with a soft material, so that if the worst does happen, then your coin will suffer as little damage as possible.

Think before you clean

One of the commonest questions that fledgling collectors ask is ‘how do I clean my coins’?

The simple answer is: don’t. Naturally all metals oxidise on contact with air. In numismatics this discolouration is known as toning and, as with antiques, such a patina is valued both for its aesthetic appeal and as a sign of authenticity. Chemicals are available which do a great job of stripping and cleaning coins but graded coins which are treated this way will generally be worth a lot less (and look much less appealing) at the end of the process than they did at the beginning.

Always buy archive quality

Buying the appropriate storage media is a major concern for any collector and when it comes to coins, there’s lots of choice — from coin holders, to tubes, folders, boxes and albums. What to buy depends very much on the type of collection you have. For circulated coins, paper envelopes, card boxes

and tubes are fine for the shortterm. 2 x 2s, which are cardboard coin holders with Mylar windows also make a great, low-cost storage solution. The secret, though, is to always buy archive quality and acidfree card and paper.

Control the environment

If you collect medium to high grade coins then you’ll need storage media that will not only protect your coins from knocks and bumps but from damage caused by humidity and temperature. PVC flips or other plastic coin holders are not suitable for long-term storage of high-grade coins as the plastic degrades over time. Like the acid in paper, the chemicals in PVC can seriously damage coins, leaving an unsightly green fuzz, where there was once a shiny surface. Choose Mylar, acetate or other stable materials for longerterm storage although, take care when taking coins in and out of holders as these hard capsules can cause scratches.

Think long-term

If you collect mint or proof coins, then the world is your enemy! Ensure that you store your collection in dry conditions, where it’s not too hot or too cold — never in attics or basements. (Sachets of silica gel can help remove moisture.) For valuable coins, hard plastic coin holders offer more protection, but if your coins are really valuable then you might consider having them slabbed (placed in sonically-sealed containers). If they already are in a sealed container, then it’s best not to open them. Even then, no storage media is perfect, so check regularly for signs of damage.

Have the right tools

Having the right tools for the job is always important and there are two items which are especially useful in coin collecting — a good magnifying glass and a strong light bulb. Around 5-8x magnification should be strong enough to see the fine details without having to manhandle your coins. A well-lit area (or illuminated magnifier) ensures that you can check your coins without leaning over them or breathing on them. (Moisture from breath can cause flecks on copper, silver and proof coins.)

Be properly insured

Many collectors assume that their coins are covered by their home contents insurance, but this may not be the case. Check exactly what you are and aren’t covered for and make sure you have an up-todate record of all purchases. When collections include thousands of individual objects, cataloguing can be a real pain, but well worth it if you are robbed. If this isn’t possible, then photograph or video your collection. Remember to back your catalogue up and keep it in a safe place. (Ideally not at home as, if you have a fire or flood, you don’t want to lose that too.)

Think ahead

Always take sensible precautions. If you’re travelling with your collection, then a sturdy and lockable carrying case is essential. If you’re leaving the house empty for any period of time, bag and box anything that you’re particularly worried about. Waterproof polythene wrap won’t stop thieves, but might protect valuables from an unexpected flood. A safety deposit box, or fireproof, wall or floor safe may also be a good investment if you have especially valuable

(or portable) items.