Knowing how to preserve antique coins is crucial to protecting your collection's aesthetic beauty and monetary value. Harsh environmental conditions, incorrect plastic holders, or improper cleaning can ruin centuries-old numismatic heirlooms in a matter of months.
Best Practices for Coin Preservation
- Eliminate PVC Plastic: Only use archival Mylar flips, inert polypropylene sleeves, or acrylic Quadrum capsules.
- Maintain Humidity Control: Keep relative humidity between 35% and 45% using silica gel packets inside your safe or display cabinet.
- Never Clean Coins: Cleaning strips the protective original patina and creates irreversible micro-scratches.
- Always Hold by the Edges: Handle coins using clean cotton gloves by their rims only.