Coin collections have a deep and rich history, and in order to preserve it, you need to protect your coins so that they remain intact and maintain the state in which you acquired them. Coins that are well preserved are worth more, thus providing more money to your heirs when the time comes to sell them.
Reasons for damage to coins
A large number of coins are made of metal, and with the exception of gold, most of them can be exposed to harmful environmental factors that can simply kill your coins. Basically, coins are made from copper and silver, and these metals are most easily chemically reacted. If you know what exactly can harm them, then you can prepare and protect the coins from external factors.
1. Humidity
Moisture is the biggest enemy for coins. Copper and silver are the most common and, unfortunately, it is these metals that easily enter into chemical reactions with water. Water vapor is constantly in the air and can seep anywhere. Unfortunately, the hardest thing to protect a collection is precisely from this disease. Several capsule and coin box companies claim to be "airtight", but no one can be completely sure that they are.
2. Heat and cold
Heat, by itself, does not necessarily spoil the coins. But it contributes to the emergence of other factors that destroy them, such as humidity, acidity and air pollution. Also, cold can damage coins, because moisture condenses into water and settles on their surface. And finally, there is nothing worse than sudden temperature changes leading to periodic condensation on coins.
3. Acids
Acids come from a variety of sources. The most common source of acids is the materials in which the coins are stored. Usually, it is paper or cardboard where acids were originally used to make them. Over time, they stand out and cause blackening and corrosion, especially for silver and copper coins. The glue used in packaging can also release acids. Another source of acid is wood furniture and everyday household materials such as cleaning agents and fumes from cooking.
4. Chlorine
Chlorine enters into chemical reactions with metals, thereby negatively affecting the appearance of coins. The result can range from slight blackening on the surface to such corrosion that pits appear on the coins. The main source is coin packaging made of plastic and containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Moreover, warm air vapors can also seep into these packages, and now it is already known what this is fraught with.
Air pollution
Air pollution is not only harmful to our health, but also to the condition of the coin collection. This problem is especially common in dense urban areas, where air pollution from vehicles can accumulate in the form of smog and seep into surrounding buildings. For many years, people have been improving transportation to reduce the number of harmful gases thrown into the air, but their amount is still enough to damage coins.
Improper handling
Improper handling causes the most obvious damage to coins. Direct contact with your fingers may leave some acids and oils on the surface. Also, throwing a coin on any hard surface can cause irreparable damage and reduce its value. You should always handle the collection with care and do not touch the coins once again without special cotton gloves.
The best depositories for coins
Use coin capsules and special albums. Keeping coins in a box, drawer, or simply thrown somewhere in a chest of drawers means irreparable damage. The first step is to find a reliable storage system for them.
Special capsules or capsule albums are best suited for this, in which the coins will be isolated from interaction with the environment. Besides the fact that this will protect them from damage, it will also help to conveniently organize the collection. The folders and albums can also contain dates, notes, and additional information.
Location, location and location again
As the saying goes, location is just as important as the storage system itself. The basic rule should be: "If the environment is comfortable enough for humans, then it is likely to work for coins as well." Extremes such as a basement where it is cold and damp or an attic where it is too warm and humid are best avoided in order to keep the coins in their best condition. The location in the living room or bedroom will be the most suitable option. It is also worth choosing a room away from the kitchen, where vegetable oils and moisture can quickly soak through collection folders and albums.
1. Bank cell
The safest and most secure storage place is, of course, a safe in a bank. Unfortunately, this is also the most expensive storage option. Bank cells are designed in such a way that they are reliably protected from criminals and fires. The cells are made of a material that emits water vapor, which maintains the temperature, thereby protecting against fires. Naturally, some of the water gets into the cells over time. Therefore, the entire structure will provide a very humid atmosphere. This can be avoided by placing the bag of silica gel in a safe. The main thing is not to forget to change it a couple of times a year.
2. Home or office safe
You can buy a safe yourself at home or use an office one. Once you have to spend money, but no more. The only drawback is that safes are made of the same material as bank safes, which is why you will also have to remember to regularly change the bag of silica gel to prevent water vapor from damaging the collection.
3. Metal cabinet or bookshelf
Wooden bookshelves and cabinets can release harmful chemicals into the environment, such as glue or the wood itself, as it also deteriorates over the years. While it is not as safe as a safe, a lockable metal cabinet will provide a safe environment for the collection, as there will be no problems with wood. But it is also better to be prudent when choosing a cabinet, because metals are capable of attracting water vapor that remains in the form of condensation on their surface. Eliminating this problem, it is worthwhile to understand that a number of others may arise.
The protection and quality preservation of coins ensures that many more generations can enjoy them.
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