Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:36 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
If you are collecting coins, you’ll know just how important it is to make sure that you keep them in good condition. The Royal Canadian Mint has a lot of valuable information on rare coins, coin collections, and more. It also produces all of Canada’s circulation coins, so it’s a great place to start if you are interested in coins, what they are worth, and how to start coin collecting on your own. It’s a great resource for anyone looking for the history of coins and how circulation works.
If you want to protect your investment, take time to know what you should do – and shouldn’t do – to help protect your coins and retain their value. Here are a few great tips on how you can keep your coin collection in mint condition.
Never Touch Your Coins
It’s important to know that even if you just touch your coins, you can damage them, especially when it comes to coins of a higher grade. You will definitely damage them if they are mint state coins and proof coins. Your hands and fingers have oils on them, which can damage or discolour the surface of a coin. Even microscopic scratching can significantly reduce its value.
Don’t Clean Your Coins
Cleaning your coin collection can do more harm than good. Coins that are exposed to air will naturally tone or oxidize. If you strip this, it will become unappealing and you will lose that mint luster. Microscopic abrasions will definitely lower its grade. This is especially true for very old coins, like commemorative coins by the Royal Canadian Mint, as you want to keep them in their natural state.
Don’t Break the Holder
If you definitely want to keep your coins in a mint condition, don’t break the holder they are in. Don’t remove them as they form a ‘set’ with their holders and box, as well as any literature. You might have heard that coins still in their protective cases will be worth considerably more.
Don’t Expose them to Acid
If you store your coin collection in a cardboard box, wrapped in paper, or in envelopes, you may just damage them – unless you use acid-free paper. Over time, paper can start to break down and this results in chemicals being released. It will damage your coins, resulting in discolouration and spotting.
Never Expose Coins to the Elements
Keep in mind that if you store your coins in a basement or similar area, you are probably exposing them to the elements. It’s important not to put them in a place where there are extreme temperatures as that can result in damage.
Looking after your coin collection is a great way to ensure that they stay in mint condition. Speak to the experts at Colonial Acres today to find out more about how to properly care for your most important coins.
