Keeping Coins Clean Using a Folder

We all know that the price of an antique item goes up, especially if it is kept in good condition. By having items stored in a safe place, one can be sure that damage by the elements is minimal.  Other items that have been neglected or stored improperly will have a reduced value; therefore, proper storage is essential for preserving items from eras long gone.

Coins are really easy to take care of.   For those who have been collecting for years, such collections are usually framed or under glass, and are often viewed in places such as a large museum.  But for individuals who are just starting out, putting coins in an old shoe box or jar will do just fine.

As the collection grows, it is then time to invest in a coin folder to better protect and hold the coins.  These folders can be bought in different sizes, depending largely upon the type of coins the individual is collecting.  The coins can be stored in individual plastic pockets or inside the sheets that make up the album. Coin folders are available at the local coin store or may be ordered from the Internet.

The advantage of using coin folders is that they are handy to carry around and make it much easier for the collector to show off their collection.  Folders can be brought to exhibits and other venues where the coins can be traded, sold or exchanged with coins owned by other collectors.

Types of Coin Holders

Probably the most popular type of coin holder is the 2 X 2 cardboard coin holder. These are very inexpensive, do a good job of protecting your coins, and you can write on them if you want. Here is a picture of a very clean BU 1879-S Morgan Dollar in a 2 X 2 coin holder:

Picture of an 1879-S Morgan Dollar

The best type of coin holder for collectors is the acrylic coin slab. These are generally 2" wide by 3.25" tall. They have space for the coin to be mounted, and for a label. Coins that are graded by professional coin grading services are normally slabbed. Here is a picture of a 2004 silver eagle coin mounted in a coin slab.

Silver Eagle coin mounted in slab

How To Clean Coins

Keeping the coins in mint condition does not only mean storing them in a folder. Whenever collectors add a new coin to the collection, it is ideal to first have it cleaned before putting it in the folder with the others.

Coin cleaning can be done by taking it to a coin shop and paying for the services, or if you prefer, you can do it yourself by soaking the coin in a liquid such as vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or ammonia, which is sure to remove any dirt or encrustation that are present when it was acquired.

Coins should then be air-dried or patted dry with a soft cloth. It is not a good idea to rub or polish the coins since scratches can occur that may decrease its value in the market.

Serious coin collectors value the importance of storing these valuables in a safe and secure area. By investing in a coin folder, collectors can be sure that the value of the coins will increase, either when the demand calls for it or when there is a need to part with them.

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