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| Learning how to prevent deterioration,
and possibly to enhance the appearance and value
of coins is a serious matter to any numismatist
worth his salt. Extreme as some of the following
tips may sound, a good coin collector will know
that faithful observation of these steps can make
a big difference in the eventual value of his collection.
No matter how rare a coin, if its condition has
deteriorated drastically, almost to the point of
non-recognition, then it is worthless. |
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Essentially the DON’TS to observe are:
DON’T
drop. Once dropped and dented, it is impossible to restore
a coin to its original mint condition. Play safe by
laying a soft towel underneath in case your coin drops
during an examination.
DON’T slide a coin over a hard surface to avoid
scratches. You can never be too careful.
DON’T polish. Contrary to a lay person’s
perception that polishing with the softest tissue or
cloth removes dirt, the process can scratch the coin’
surface. Under microscopic scrutiny, the finest scratch
shows up, thus reducing the coin’s grade.
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Mint condition coins in their original
sealed packages keep relatively well without any
handling nor cleaning. Removal of dirt must be done
with utmost care and only when necessary. Don’t
ever wash coins. An ultra dry environment is crucial
to avoid verdigris (a green corrosive growth resulting
from dampness). Storage dampness can be reduced
with cups of silica gel. These gel beads are blue
to start with. As they get damp, they turn pink
and can be roasted to regain their original blue
and dry status. Alternatively, there are several
models of electrical dehumidifiers on the market. |
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DON’T confuse verdigris or other undesirable foreign
matter on the surfaces of coins with the natural and highly
prized tone of oxidation – a natural darkening of
the metal which comes with prolonged exposure (several
years) of metal to certain non-destructive elements in
the environment. Silver is particularly reactive, turning
blackish or (more desirably) blue, green golden hue, depending
on the element with which it reacts. An even patina is
highly prized by collectors, so do not attempt to remove
this colouration. |
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DON’T finger the coin’s surfaces.
Always hold a coin by its edge. Finger prints and
their residual oil can blemish the original shine.
The less you handle your coins, the better. If you
have to, make sure your hands are completely dry.
Ideally, you should wear cotton gloves.
When discussing your coins, place them discreetly
away to avoid stray droplets of saliva (expelled
even as you speak). When you feel a sneeze or cough
coming, remember to turn your head. Over cautious
as it may sound, these tiny stains are difficult
to remove if left undetected over time. |
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Housing Coins. Careful storage is very important. Mint
condition coins are often encapsulated by the originating
mint to prevent improper handling. These coins are sometimes
ultra sonically sealed and care must be taken not to contaminate
the coin if it needs to be removed from the capsule. |
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Apart from avoiding scratches, a damp
environment encourages verdigris. Albums with plastic
pages divided into many small pouches may retain
moisture and are unsuitable, especially for copper
or bronze Coins. Plastic often contains PVC (poly
vinyl chloride) – softening agents. When exposed
to heat and / or humidity, it releases a chemical
that can react with and tarnish the coin. Your choice
of storage should be special plastic envelopes that
do not contain PVC. These clear plastic pouches
are ideal because your collection can therefore
be viewed without removal from their protective
enclosures. They can be compiled into a coin album
with a ring binder. |
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Besides plastic pouches, there are manila coin envelopes
made of very dry paper. The advantage of using these is
that you can identify the enclosures on the envelopes.
However, you have to remove the coins from the envelopes
to view them.
Traditionally, coins have been housed in wooden showcase
cabinets. A number of trays inset with circular felt –
lined trenches hold the coins. At the base of each trench
is a smaller hole through which the finger pushes the
coin up from below. |
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If you decide to keep your collection in a cabinet,
ensure that it is not constructed of resinous softwoods,
but rather of well – seasoned mahogany or
rosewood. Moisture, natural oils or acids in resinous
woods can tarnish coins. Avoid oaks too because
of reactive fumes released by the wood.
An additional precaution is to wrap coins in specially
treated soft tissue paper to prevent minute particles
from landing on them as well as isolate the metal
from possibly harmful chemicals in the atmosphere.
Choose coin cabinets with doors that can be securely
locked. Wherever you choose to store your collection,
keep your coins out of direct sunlight and away
from moisture. These elements speed up the natural
process of decay or corrosion on the surfaces of
the coins. |
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A strong safe deposit box is probably one of the best
places to keep your coins. Remember to install a dehumidifier
or bags of silica gels which must be regularly replaced.
Most collectors place coins in albums or trays with
written descriptions accompanying them. A record book
is kept with reference numbers to each coin, description,
photo, grade, date and place of purchase and value.
It is a good idea to keep a duplicate copy of such a
list in a safe place.
Finally, install a good home security system. Insure
your coin collections against theft, loss or destruction.
A few insurance dollars is a wise investment, considering
the legacy you are accumulating with your coin collection.
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