Getting ready to put away a collection of valuable coins for some time? Learn the best products and methods to prepare them for self storage and be sure they remain in pristine condition throughout.
Whether you’re a casual coin collector or a dedicated enthusiast, and whether you have a small specific collection or a massive treasure trove you’ve built up over time, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of what coins you have on hand. Maintaining and preserving your collection is even more of a concern when you’re planning to store it for an extended period while you’re moving or saving space in your home.
There are plenty of methods and tips to consider when you’re preparing your coin collection for storage, and in this article we’ll go over some of the most effective ones. These methods include using acid-free packing products, handling coins with gloves, investing in climate-controlled storage, and having your collection insured.
Invest in Acid-Free Containers and Paper
It may seem tempting and cost-effective to simply stick your coin collection inside a cardboard box and pad it with newspaper, but this is risky and can damage the goods, costing you more in the long run. Many kinds of cardboard and paper contain acid, which can be released as the material breaks down over time and can cause significant damage to your coins. For protection and peace of mind, it’s best to invest in containers and padding made of acid-free materials.
“Whatever storage method a collector chooses, the container should be acid-free,” says Rod Gillis, numismatic educator with American Numismatic Association. “You want a container that stays dry and keeps out humidity. Safes are usually a good idea. A safe that’s fire-retardant is best.”
Steve Roach, editor-in-chief for Coin World, the world’s largest coin hobby publication, agrees with Gillis, saying that it’s important to invest in an archival-quality case, album, or other coin holder for your collection before putting it into self storage.
“The collectibles themselves should also be housed in holders that are archival-quality, free of composition that will break down over time and possibly damage and lower the value of [the items],” Roach adds.
Handle Your Collection With Gloves
Touching rare coins with bare hands while preparing them for storage is never a good idea, as oils and sweat can transfer from your skin to the surface of the coins, even if you’ve just washed your hands. These chemicals can damage or lower the value of your valuables. To ensure you’re not leaving a mess on your prized coin collection, never handle it without putting on a clean pair of gloves first.
“Coins shouldn’t be handled with bare hands, as the oils in your skin will remain on the coin and cause corrosion,” says Ken Westover, senior coin buyer at Littleton Coin Company, one of the nation’s leading retailers of coins, paper money, and collector supplies. “Depending on the elements on your hands at the time of handling and the conditions the coins are stored in, damage could either happen quickly or may not show up for a long period of time.”
Some collector supplies, like collection albums sold by Littleton Coin, even include gloves for safe handling. But just because you have gloves doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be mindful of how you’re handling your collection–fragile coins can also be damaged if you hold them by their faces, so always be sure to pick them up by their edges.
“Regardless of whether you’re using gloves or not, it’s critical to always hold a coin by its edge. Never rest your fingers on the obverse or reverse of a coin,” adds Gillis.
Store Your Coins in Climate-Controlled Storage
As with any valuable or precious items, you’ll want to store your coin collection in an environment that gives you maximum control over temperature and humidity. A cool, dry space is a good place to start, but seeking out climate-controlled self storage facilities will be a worthwhile investment for any collector hoping to preserve their rare coins.
“Coins should be kept as close to a constant temperature and humidity level as possible,” Gillis explains, adding that too much exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity can start the oxidation process, which ruins the metals.
According to Gillis, copper and silver in particular are susceptible to tarnishing caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations. “While some collectors enjoy toning, it’s a destructive force that will eventually cause the coin to become very dark.”
Humidity can also cause mold growth, which is an issue for collectors of both coins and paper money. “Mold is particularly a concern for paper money collectors, but it may also grow on coins,” says Roach. “Generally, coins should be preserved in a low-humidity environment, preferably less than 30 percent relative humidity.”
Get Insurance that Covers Your Collection
Investing in a climate-controlled self storage solution to put away your coin collection can help you rest easy knowing that your coins are protected from the elements. Many self storage facilities also offer plenty of security features to help their customers maintain peace of mind, such as security cameras, on-site security staff, and gated access to storage units. However, for the rare cases when all else fails, coin experts recommend investing in insurance for your collection.
“Insurance of the replacement value of your collection should definitely be considered when putting them in self storage,” says Westover. “Check with your insurance agent to be sure of your exact coverage.”
Most renters’ and homeowners’ insurance policies have limits on how much coverage can be allocated to precious metals and other valuables, so your best option is a specific collectibles insurance policy to cover the value of your collection. If you intend to add coins to your collection over time, it’s best to update your policy to match the value as it increases.
The best way to make sense of the details of collectibles insurance is to get in touch with a broker or agent that specializes in it. These experts can help guide you to policies and providers that meet your budget and the needs of your collection.
Store Your Coin Collection Safely with Storage.com
Whether you have a small album of a few prized coins or a massive collection that you’ve built up over several years, you can never be too careful when preparing your coin collection for storage. Investing in acid-free containers, always handling your coins with gloves, using climate-controlled storage to keep your collection, and investing in collectibles insurance are all important things to consider before you put your valuables away for any period of time.
When you’re ready to invest in self storage for your coins or any other valuables you may have, Storage.com is here to help you find solutions that meet your budget and your personal needs. Take a look at our home page to start your search today.
