If you’re an owner of old coins in Chicago, you know how exciting it is to add a new coin to your collection. Coins are a fascinating hobby and investment that instills excitement when on the hunt for new pieces to add to their collection.
However, as you begin to accumulate more and more coins, you may wonder exactly what the best storage method is in order to keep your coins in the best possible shape, as this is what helps maintain their value.
How Coin Damage Occurs
Unfortunately, coin damage occurs in a variety of ways. Even two coins rubbing against one another can cause damage such as scratches, marks, rim dings/dents & gouges. Other examples of coin damage include corrosion from environmental conditions and residue from plastic coin flip holders that contain PVC, oil from fingerprints from improper handling, spotting from airborne moisture particles, and dark toning. Rainbow color toning is good, dark blackish toning is not desirable.
To help reduce the risk of your coins becoming damaged, we recommend investing in the right storage methods.
Coin Collecting Holders
There is specific coin collecting Non-PVC holders that come in a variety of sizes. These holders allow you to see and examine your coins on both sides without getting any damaging fingerprints on them. Just be careful when inserting the coins into them that you do not scuff or scratch them by forcing or trying to push them in.
Coin Collecting Folders & Albums
Some coin collectors like to fill out a complete set, like 20th Century coin sets may want to purchase a special coin folder or album, Capitol plastics made great holders for this type of set. There are different types some more protective than others.. Coin collectors can use cotton gloves to handle Uncirculated and Proof coins to put each coin into its slot or area.
Dry, Climate-Controlled Environment
Last but not least, make sure your coins are sitting in a climate-controlled environment to ensure that humidity or other potentially damaging elements are not present. Patina that can be one color blue, purple, yellow, or multiple rainbow hues are actually desirable in many cases, so please do not clean it or use a silver dip cleaner to remove the patina or toning.
Collecting old coins in Chicago is more rewarding when you have the proper storage methods to preserve the value for when you are ready to sell old coins in Chicago. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our numismatist on the premises!