Coin collectors rely on special tools or devices to store and preserve their collections. Regardless of the type of coin collector you are, whether as an amateur who only indulges in the act as a hobby or an expert coin collector engaged in investing in coins, it is sacrosanct to have a storage facility where your coins can be safe against damage. Aside from protecting them against damage, coin folders and albums are also used in displaying your coins to friends and potential buyers. This is why they are essential coin collecting tools every collector is expected to have.
Proper storage of coins is necessary for retaining their values. Coins suffer degradation when exposed to humidity, high temperatures, contact with bare human hands, etc. As such, it is necessary to take all necessary measures to protect your assets against any possible damage. Below are valuable guides on how to store your coins using coin folders and albums:
Step 1. Determine the Number of Coins in Your Collection
Before storing your coins, it is vital that you determine the number of coins within your collections, together with your bills of purchase and sales. This will help you choose the size of the coin folder or album to get and also help you keep track of the condition and location of your coins by making sure you can easily replace any lost or damaged coin.
Step 2. Purchase a Storage Device
After determining the number of coins, you have, the next stage is to purchase a coin folder or album that you can use to store and preserve them. A coin folder is convenient and easy to use; although it holds a limited number of coins and allows for a one-sided display, coin albums hold more coins and can take up to 200 coins per album while displaying both sides of the coins. Both coin folders and albums are made from both plastic and cardboard materials.
Step 3. Store in the Safest Spots Available
After purchasing and encasing your coins inside the folder or album, the next step is to determine which spot to keep your coins. There are some essential factors to consider in this respect: humidity, sunlight, and chances of coming in contact with greases and oils while in storage. Metals do not fare well when exposed to humidity; this is because moisture can damage the surface of your precious coins by causing rust, warping, fragility, etc. Additionally, sunrays cause radiation in coins, which can damage your coins; as such, ensure limited exposure to these listed factors by storing your coins in a dry place that is not humidified and without risks of sunrays or even theft from people.
Step 4. Only Remove with Special Handling Tools
After storing in a safe space, it is vital that when removing your coins out of their folder for inspection or any other purpose, you do so using special handling equipment such as gloves and tongs or coin tweezers. Handling your coins with your bare hands can be detrimental to their value because oils, dirt, greases, and texture of your hand can damage the quality. Therefore, the best option is to use cotton gloves while handling them together with tongs or tweezers when circumstances require, such as during auctions or sales.