Coin Care

Caring for coins is not just a question of esthetics: your collection requires proper handling and storage to ensure the integrity of your prized possessions. 

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Use cotton gloves

  • Skin oils and dirt damage your coin's finish and value. Never handle coins with bare hands, instead, use cotton gloves.
  • Avoid latex or plastic gloves, as their powder or lubricants can damage coins.

Holding your coin

  • Always pick up coins by the edges, between the thumb and forefinger.
  • Never hold a coin by touching the obverse or reverse surface.
  • To avoid damage should it be dropped, hold your coin over a thick, soft towel.
  • Limit talking over the coin: tiny, almost invisible drops of saliva can create impossible-to-remove spots.
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Cleaning your coin

  • As a general rule: unless you are an experienced specialist, avoid cleaning your coins.
  • Even wiping coins with a soft cloth may damage their finish and drastically reduce their value.

Displaying your coin

  • Use small, PVC-free plastic bags or slabs (sealed, hard plastic cases) for valuable collector coins.
  • For coins of lower value, keep them in acid-free paper sleeves or envelopes, tubes, folders or albums.
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