Whether you collect coins for the intricate designs and historic value, or to invest in precious metals as a safeguard against fluctuating markets, protecting your collection from corrosion, blemishes, and wear is important for retaining a coin's value.
One of the biggest mistakes coin collectors make when storing their gold and silver coins is to neglect the long-term safety of their investment by allowing their collection to be exposed to hazardous elements.
Consider these six dangers when storing your coins: 1.
Humidity Although water is used to clean and polish coins, it can also cause extensive damage-even water in the air.
Humidity is the number one threat to your coin collection.
The reason is that water vapor provides an atmosphere for rust, and other adverse chemical reactions, to wreak havoc on metal, so storing your collection in a dry, arid place is essential.
2.
Temperature Excessive heat can cause a coin to warp, depending on what type of metal the coin is made of.
Even if heat doesn't affect a coin immediately, it can lower the metal's resistance to other environmental dangers like humidity, acids, and air pollution.
A coin that is exposed to too much cold can suffer from condensation on its surface, which can cause water damage.
3.
Acids Over time, acids can tarnish or fade the luster of a coin.
Acids generally are deposited on coins through paper or cardboard products that were manufactured with acidic chemicals.
Cleaning supplies, adhesives, and even vapors emitted from cooking can also expose a coin to damaging acids.
4.
Chlorine Chlorine is a toxic chemical when ingested directly, and it is also dangerous to coins.
Chlorine can cause corrosion or pits to form on the surface of the coin, as well as discoloration.
Vapors emitted by pools, hot tubs, and even some plastics contain chlorine, so store your coins away from these dangers.
5.
Air Pollution Like water, air is another danger to coins that often gets overlooked.
Just as air pollution is bad for your body, it is also harmful to coins.
Smog and gases in the air can tarnish and dull a coin's shine.
Take steps to protect your collection from air pollution, especially if you live in an urban area.
6.
Rough or Frequent Handling The last danger to look out for when storing your coins is also the easiest to avoid.
Touching and handling a coin deposits oils and acids from your skin that can erode a coin over time.
No matter how clean your hands may be, limit the frequency and duration that you handle your coins.
You can also hold a coin by its edges or wear plastic gloves for safe handling.
Safe Storage Techniques To safely store your coin collection, and protect it from the six dangers, use a product specifically designed for coins.
Coin flips, folders, and albums are effective ways to safeguard your coins from humidity, temperature, acids, chlorine, air pollution, and improper handling-and you will still be able to display your collection.
One of the biggest mistakes coin collectors make when storing their gold and silver coins is to neglect the long-term safety of their investment by allowing their collection to be exposed to hazardous elements.
Consider these six dangers when storing your coins: 1.
Humidity Although water is used to clean and polish coins, it can also cause extensive damage-even water in the air.
Humidity is the number one threat to your coin collection.
The reason is that water vapor provides an atmosphere for rust, and other adverse chemical reactions, to wreak havoc on metal, so storing your collection in a dry, arid place is essential.
2.
Temperature Excessive heat can cause a coin to warp, depending on what type of metal the coin is made of.
Even if heat doesn't affect a coin immediately, it can lower the metal's resistance to other environmental dangers like humidity, acids, and air pollution.
A coin that is exposed to too much cold can suffer from condensation on its surface, which can cause water damage.
3.
Acids Over time, acids can tarnish or fade the luster of a coin.
Acids generally are deposited on coins through paper or cardboard products that were manufactured with acidic chemicals.
Cleaning supplies, adhesives, and even vapors emitted from cooking can also expose a coin to damaging acids.
4.
Chlorine Chlorine is a toxic chemical when ingested directly, and it is also dangerous to coins.
Chlorine can cause corrosion or pits to form on the surface of the coin, as well as discoloration.
Vapors emitted by pools, hot tubs, and even some plastics contain chlorine, so store your coins away from these dangers.
5.
Air Pollution Like water, air is another danger to coins that often gets overlooked.
Just as air pollution is bad for your body, it is also harmful to coins.
Smog and gases in the air can tarnish and dull a coin's shine.
Take steps to protect your collection from air pollution, especially if you live in an urban area.
6.
Rough or Frequent Handling The last danger to look out for when storing your coins is also the easiest to avoid.
Touching and handling a coin deposits oils and acids from your skin that can erode a coin over time.
No matter how clean your hands may be, limit the frequency and duration that you handle your coins.
You can also hold a coin by its edges or wear plastic gloves for safe handling.
Safe Storage Techniques To safely store your coin collection, and protect it from the six dangers, use a product specifically designed for coins.
Coin flips, folders, and albums are effective ways to safeguard your coins from humidity, temperature, acids, chlorine, air pollution, and improper handling-and you will still be able to display your collection.