Important Considerations for Your Coin Collection Storage
Much like doctors, the first rule of coin collectors is to do no harm. The rules for cleaning coins are well known by experienced collectors, but there is no general consensus on how to store coins.
Coins should be stored in Mylar containers to prevent them from being damaged by oxidation, scrapes and oils from the skin. These containers come in a variety if styles.
You can get cardboard coin holders which are lined with Mylar very cheaply. These holders use cut outs so that both sides of the coin can be readily seen. These come quite often in two inch by two inch size, called two by twos.
There are holders which contain several coins, while others are individual sleeves which hold only one coin. There are also styles with holes so that your sheets can be kept in a binder, but most collectors agree that coins should be displayed.
Collectors with larger collections often opt for cabinets; these range from small cigar-box style cases to large, free standing display cabinets to show off your coin collection. The higher end cabinets even have climate control to best preserve your collection.
Rosewood and aged mahogany are both great choices for wooden cabinets. Oak, however should be avoided as it emits organic compounds which are not good for your coins. There are several types of tree which emit these volatile compounds; they should be avoided for coin cabinets.
For this reason, a lot of coin collectors recommend metal cabinets for displaying a collection. There are many different styles available; some have coatings which are oxidation resistant. Not as attractive, but certainly safe for your coins are polystyrene and plastic containers.
No matter what type of cabinet you choose (unless you buy ne with climate control) you will need some desiccant – silica gel packets work fine. This will absorb moisture which could damage your coins.
Some collectors even go so far as to wax or oil their coins, but this is not generally advisable. Oil can cause contaminants to cling to the coin and wax and dull the finish of the coin.
There are several things which should be avoided.
Avoiding exposing your coins to air is generally a good idea, but it's not true that any packaging is better than no packaging. For instance, PVC sleeves are not a good idea – they can react with your coins, causing a greenish residue which can harm your coins and is difficult to remove.
While it's always best to display your coins, it may be necessary to store them at times. A paper envelope can be used, but you should get envelopes which are made of acid-free paper; ordinary paper can damage coins, especially copper coins.
You should not store collectible coins in rolls or tubes – this does not keep them protected from the air and causes scratching.
The best containers are specially made sealing containers to safely hold your collectible coin; they add a little to the upfront cost of the coin, but they will keep your coin in top condition for storage and display.
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