With more than 27,000 members of the American Numismatic Association, coin collecting continues to draw more hobbyists each year. While finding your next coin can be exciting, knowing the best ways to store and protect growing coin collections can be much less thrilling. Options range from coin sleeves and coin display holders to higher security options like a coin safe. Discover our six best tips for storing and protecting your collection.
1. Leave Items in Their Original Coin Display Holders
When collecting certified or graded coins, it is common for Mints and grading companies, such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, to place coins in sealed, clear coin display holders. These holders are designed for more than easy shipping. The packaging is made from high-grade material intended to protect against corrosive substances, rough handling, chipping, or dents. For numismatists looking to maintain pristine coin collections and ensure their coins retain their value, it’s best to leave them in their original holders.
2. Choose the Right Coin Case for Your Needs
A quick search for the term “coin case” will bring up hundreds of different coin storage options. While a coin case is a great way to protect against damage and keep items organized, you should assess what feature is most critical to you. For example, some cases hold each coin securely in place but only present the obverse side. Meanwhile, several compact options do not readily display the coins, opting to pack them tightly against each other. Be sure to find an option that accomplishes your particular needs.
3. Beware Common Coin Storage Hazards
Whether using a fortified coin safe or a simpler coin case, ensure your storage method keeps coins dry. Prolonged exposure to moisture or chemicals can seriously damage coins, especially older, more fragile ones. Additionally, ensure your selected coin storage area keeps a relatively consistent temperature. Extreme heat can also cause damage over time.
4. Consider Using Quality Coin Sleeves for Large Collections
While it is fairly common to find coins already sealed in protective holders, plenty come without such accessories. Coin sleeves are the best path forward for numismatists with “loose” coins. Coin sleeves are thin slots, often plastic, that still allow coins to be seen while offering an additional layer of protection. Their slim profile makes them an ideal choice for storing larger quantities.
5. Invest in the Right Coin Safe
Collectors with high-value collections should strongly consider a coin safe to add more advanced security. Rod Gillis from the American Numismatic Association makes two critical suggestions when considering a coin safe. First, ensure the safe itself cannot easily be picked up and removed from the house. And second, invest in a flame-retardant safe to keep possessions safe in the case of a house fire.
6. Avoid Excessive Handling
Metal is fairly resilient to most everyday encounters. However, when protecting older, more fragile coins, it is wise to handle coins only from the edges, avoiding the obverse and reverse sides. Using gloves or a cloth can prevent a harmful substance from transferring from the skin to the coin. Additionally, be cautious polishing older coins as harsh chemicals can further discoloration and damage.
Buy and Store with Care
At ModernCoinMart, we understand the importance of protecting coins with proper care and storage. As you continue building your collection, start with basics like coin sleeves or tubes, or take advanced security measures with a coin safe.
Find your next pick in our trusted marketplace of gold and silver coin collections, purchasing coins in high-quality coin display holders.
