Coin Handling and Cleaning: How to Handle and Preserve Your Coins

If you are a coin collector or just someone who values the coins in their possession, it’s important to know how to handle and preserve them properly. Coins, whether they are collectible or not, can lose their value if they are handled carelessly or cleaned improperly. Here are some tips on how to handle and preserve your coins:

Handling Coins:

When handling coins, it’s important to take special precautions to avoid causing wear or introducing substances that may lead to spots or color changes. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Use coin holders: Many holders will provide adequate protection for ordinary handling. Before removing a coin from its holder, consider whether it’s really necessary.
• Touch coins by the edge only: Never touch an un-circulated or Proof coin anywhere but the edge. Fingerprints alone may reduce the coin’s grade and consequently its value. Handling on the edge only is mandatory when examining another person’s coins, regardless of grade. Get in the habit of picking up collectible coins by their edges, and it will soon become routine.
• Use soft surfaces: When setting a coin down outside of a holder is necessary, place it on a clean, soft surface. A velvet pad is an ideal surface and essential for regular handling of valuable material. A clean soft cloth or clean piece of blank paper may be sufficient for less valuable items.
• Don’t drag coins: Do not drag coins across any surfaces.
• Avoid touching coins with bare fingers: Do not touch coins with your bare fingers at any time.

Cleaning Coins:

The best piece of advice when it comes to cleaning coins is “don’t do it.” Even when coins look dirty or worn out with age, they are still more valuable than coins which have been newly-cleaned. Over time, coins naturally undergo a process known as toning, when oxygen or sulfur reacts with the metal. While it may not look pretty, the surface under the toning still contains the reflective quality known as mint lustre. Cleaning products will not only remove the lustre but will add tiny scratches and fibres that will render the coin worthless.

Here are some guidelines to follow when cleaning coins:

• Don’t clean your coins: A coin may look dirty or dark but it’s important to resist the temptation to clean it. Cleaning or rubbing a rare coin can eliminate much of its value. You will not get less for a dirty coin, but you may get much less for a cleaned one.
• Seek professional advice: If you are truly concerned about the condition of a coin, contact a professional coin dealer or conservator for advice on your best options.

In summary, handling and cleaning coins require special care and attention. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your coins remain in good condition and retain their value. Remember, when in doubt, seek professional advice.