Quick summary
- Hold coins by the edges, over a soft surface, and avoid touching their faces.
- Avoid holders containing PVC, which can break down and leave a damaging residue.
- Use archival holders made from inert materials, such as polyester (Mylar) flips or acrylic capsules.
- Store coins somewhere cool, dry and stable, away from rubber bands and sulfur-containing paper.
- Keep an inventory and photos, and check how your insurance covers collections.
Coins can be damaged by fingerprints, the wrong holders and damp storage, and damage can’t be undone. A few simple habits protect your collection.
Handle with care
- Hold coins by the edges between your thumb and finger.
- Work over a soft surface, such as a towel or pad, in case you drop one.
- Don’t touch the faces. Skin oils can leave fingerprints that become permanent marks.
- Don’t talk or breathe directly over coins; tiny droplets can cause spots.
Choose the right holders
Some soft plastic flips contain PVC, which can break down over time and leave a green, sticky residue that damages coins. Choose archival options instead:
- Polyester (Mylar) flips for short- or long-term storage.
- Cardboard 2×2 holders with an inert film window.
- Acrylic capsules for valuable coins.
- Albums and folders for circulated sets.
Be careful
Avoid rubber bands, ordinary envelopes and old paper, which can contain sulfur and cause unwanted toning or spotting.
Store them well
- Cool, dry and stable: avoid attics, basements, bathrooms and places with big temperature swings.
- Control humidity: silica gel packets in a storage box can help.
- Keep coins out of direct sunlight and away from household chemicals.
Keep records
Write down what you have, where you bought it and what you paid, and take photos of valuable coins. Records help with insurance, selling and, one day, passing on a collection; see our guide to selling a coin collection.
Protect the collection
For valuable coins, consider a home safe or a bank safe deposit box. Homeowners and renters insurance may limit coverage for collections, so check your policy and ask about extra coverage if needed.
The most important rule of all is to never clean coins; our guide to why you shouldn’t clean coins explains why.
Collector questions
Should I wear gloves?
Many collectors wear nitrile or cotton gloves when handling valuable coins. Whatever you do, hold coins by the edges.
How can I tell if a flip contains PVC?
Soft, flexible flips that smell of plastic often contain PVC. Archival flips are usually stiffer and labeled as PVC-free.
Is a basement a good place to store coins?
Usually not. Basements can be damp, and humidity encourages corrosion and spotting.
Are bank safe deposit boxes a good idea?
They’re a common choice for valuable coins. Check the box’s conditions and whether the contents are insured.
Coin values change with demand, condition and metal prices. This guide is general information, not an appraisal or investment advice.
