If you want to protect the investment that you are making in your coin collection, then take the time to learn how to handle them properly, clean, store, and protect your valuable coins. Otherwise, your coin collection will be worth much less when you or your heirs go to sell them. Here are seven ways that coin collectors and professional numismatists can ruin their coins without even knowing it. It is also possible to damage your coins if you drop them on a hard surface. Therefore, hold your coins over a soft cloth or pad as you are working with them. As soon as you are finished, you should return them to a proper coin holder. There is an area of numismatics known as coin conservation. Coin conservation differs from cleaning in that conservation does not disturb or remove the molecular structure of the coin at the surface. In other words, proper conservation will remove contaminants from the surface of the coin without disturbing or removing a single molecule of metal from the coin. If you really must clean them, clean coins safely. Similarly, coins that have been slabbed by third-party grading service are worth a premium in their protective cases. Never remove coins from these types of permanent holders unless there is a specific reason that would justify the coin being cracked out of its slab. However, some early sets issued by the United States Mint before 1955 came in paper envelopes that contained acids or plastics that degrade over time. It would be wise for you to remove these coins from these original holders before they get damaged. If you are unsure what to do, take your coins to a trusted coin dealer or coin show and ask for an opinion. An honest coin dealer will give you advice in order for you to get the best dollar for your collection. It’s Finally, if you choose acid-free paper products to store your coins and, make sure you store them in a relatively low humidity environment. Paper is made from organic material and will decompose over time especially in a high humidity environment. Mold and mildew can form on the paper and create acids that will eat into the surface of your coins. Edited by: James Bucki
