How To Handle Coins (Coin Care)

Your coin collection should always be handled with care to prevent causing wear to your coins. The condition of a collectible coin is ranked by grades, with a higher grade reflecting a higher value. Any time you handle a coin, you take the risk of causing wear and thus lowering the value of the coin. There are coin holders which you can use which will protect your coins adequately for normal handling purposes. Anytime you want to remove a coin from its holder, you should ask yourself if you really need to do so.

Coins which are graded uncirculated or proof should be handled only by their edges. As little as a fingerprint can cause a reduction in the grade (and thus, the value) of a coin. Get into the habit of picking up your coins by the edges. Another thing to be avoided is holding a coin in front of your mouth – small amounts of moisture can cause spotting. If you do have to set down a coin outside of its holder, then set it on a soft, clean surface – a velvet pad is ideal for this. For less expensive pieces, a piece of clean paper will also do. Never drag your coins across any surface; this can cause wear or even scratch your coins! Some even go so far as to wear surgical masks and gloves when handling their valuable coins, especially high grade and uncirculated pieces.

It may only seem natural to clean your coins, but don’t, whatever you do. Collectors, investors and dealers all advise that you not do this. While they may look shinier after a cleaning, collectors prefer then in their natural state – and cleaning a coin can cause its value to decline by more than 50%! Even a soft cloth can scratch a coin. If you do want a coin cleaned, it’s best to leave it to a professional. You can remove dirt from coins by soaking them in olive oil or water for a few days, followed by a thorough rinse. Let the coin air dry; never wipe or rub it dry.

Some coins will undergo a process called toning. This is  a natural chemical process which leads to tarnishing. This cannot be remedied, except by a chemical dip which removes the surface layer of the coin. However, some collectors consider naturally toned coins to be more valuable, depending on the specific coin.