{"id":122,"date":"2021-10-21T12:04:07","date_gmt":"2021-10-21T12:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodcollector.com\/?p=122"},"modified":"2021-10-21T12:04:08","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T12:04:08","slug":"how-to-take-care-of-old-coins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goodcollector.com\/articles\/how-to-take-care-of-old-coins\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Take Care Of Old Coins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

One part of a successful coin collection is proper coin care. Without it, coins can become damaged and even destroyed. With proper care, however, a coin collection can be preserved for the long-term. The trick is to learn and understand how to take care of old coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To take care of old coins:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Use the right tools and resources<\/strong><\/li>
  2. Establish a coin review space<\/strong><\/li>
  3. Sterilize your hands<\/strong><\/li>
  4. Wear gloves<\/strong><\/li>
  5. Use the right holding technique<\/strong><\/li>
  6. Use a cloth<\/strong><\/li>
  7. Wear a mask<\/strong><\/li>
  8. Have no food or drink around the coins<\/strong><\/li>
  9. Use official coin holders<\/strong><\/li>
  10. Standardize the rules<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Coin care is more complex than just throwing your collection in a coin booklet and calling it a day. Each of the steps above includes specialized care that can help preserve any coin collection for generations. Read on to see how to implement each of those steps in the most effective manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    General Advice For Taking Care Of Old Coins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A coin collection<\/a> has unique needs. Coins are not as fragile as stamps<\/strong>, but still need specialized care. If neglected, coins will hang around, but in a much less lustrous state than if cared for properly. The following is general advice<\/strong> that will play a role in implementing the specific steps mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do Not Clean Your Old Coins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For the most part, old coins<\/a> that reflect a life lived <\/strong>are the most desirable in their current state. That includes the dirt and grime and occasionally even discoloration that comes with being in circulation. Most collectors want that \u201clived\u201d look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Eye Appeal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Coins that look brand new or are actually in mint condition are attractive but lack a certain character in the eyes of most collectors. What the collectors want<\/strong> is called \u201ceye appeal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Eye appeal is best described as the visual attraction a coin possesses<\/strong> for other collectors and even the casual observer. With some coins, the design on the coin has eye appeal. With others, the condition of the coin creates eye appeal. In some cases, it is a mix of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Authenticity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    The foundation of eye appeal<\/strong> is that the grit that affects the appearance of a coin gives that coin authenticity. It shows that the coin has been in circulation. It also shows that the coin is a survivor, having endured a life exposed to an array of dirt, grit and grime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Authenticity, along with eye appeal, is, of course, subjective. There is no discernible difference <\/strong>except for the condition of the coin between one that has never been outside of a collector\u2019s pouch once it left the mint and one that has traveled the country (or world) collecting grime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What matters with the coin\u2019s condition, however, is how it is perceived. That\u2019s why if you have a coin that has been in circulation, unless you can\u2019t tell what type of coin you have without cleaning it up, you should leave it as it is<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Have The Right Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Possessing the right tools is the only way to ensure your coins are treated as they should be. All these tools are easily procured. In fact, most people already have them<\/strong> in their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Make sure your coin collection management kit<\/strong> includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n