[ Home ]

 

Dictionary of Coin Collector Terms and Definitions:

A | B | C | D | E

F | G | H | I  | J

K | L | M| N | O

P | Q | R | S  | T

U | V | W| X | Y

Z  

 

Abbreviations & acronyms

A-D

E-F

G-N

M-Z

 

Coin Dealers and shops

 

Articles and News about Coins

 

Coin Grading

 

Books and Price Guides

for Coin Collectors

   Most popular COIN Price Guides and BOOKS -our selection at AMAZON

 

Links .

& More Links

 



 

 

Where the investor goes to buy precious metals.

Buy gold online - quickly, safely and at low prices

Get a FREE gram of gold when you sign up!  For a limited time!


Trade online, in amounts as small as $20 at a time.

 

New Presidential Dollar coins:

~Unusual Edge Letters on President coins

~US mint $ coin press release.

~Production Schedule for upcoming Dollars.

~Legislation Authorizing Presidential Dollar Coins in 2007.

<  -  -Back to Coin Articles and News

See other articles by Robert Taylor

How Should I Store My Coins?

How a Rare Coin or Coin Collection is stored is critical to its Future Condition and Value, whether it be circulated or Gem Brilliant Uncirculated.

There are two concerns when discussing the storage of coins.  First, the storage of the individual coin, and Second, the storage of a group of coins, or an entire collection.

Storage of a Coin Collection

 The Environment of the entire Collection, or Group of Coins is the focus, taking into consideration Temperature, Humidity and Light.  A relatively constant, moderate to low temperature and low humidity are preferable for long term storage of numismatic collectibles. Placing packets of silica gel, which absorbs moisture, in the coin storage areas helps control atmospheric humidity.  The less light, the better;  and absolutely no sunlight.  This is why a safe or vault is ultimate storage container;  because it controls Temperature, Light and Humidity, and provides Superior Safety.

Groups of Coins, or Collections are best stored in plastic coin boxes, such as sold by PCGS, NGC and Whitman, and which will hold 20, separated, “slabbed” coins.  Another alternative is a cardboard coin storage box (single and double; red, blue or black), which stack easily on each other.  Different sizes are available for slabs, as well as Vinyl and Cardboard Flips.

Storage of Individual Coins

Putting Individual coins into  Holders is Imperative for all coins whose condition is BU and above, or MS60 and higher.   Coins below these designations are considered “circulated”  because they are found in the general circulation of money.  Typically this will mean they are found in pocket change, or in rolls of coins purchased at a local bank.  Although collecting Circulated coins is a great personal challenge for many collectors, the more serious Coin Collectors will concentrate on “Uncirculated” coins (BU+ and MS60+ ) because of their better condition (grade), value, and appearance. 

Types of Containers or Holders.

Almost anything will do for coins with small or no numismatic value.  A coin that is worth only face value, is not likely to have much numismatic value. while nearly airtight holders made of inert materials are a better idea for valuable coins.

Bags, jars and boxes are adequate for raw pocket change and circulated coins.

Paper Envelopes or Paper Flips of various sizes (usually 2 x 2) are still used for single coins. Be sure to use envelopes made explicitly for holding coins, otherwise your coins may change color (tone) over time due to reaction with sulfur or other chemicals present in the paper.  Since the coin can not be seen, it is now out of favor with collectors.

Folders and Albums are sold primarily for series and type sets. Properly used, they offer moderate protection from wear and handling. Over the years coins may tone due to reaction with sulfur or other chemicals present in the folders and albums, and are therefore not a good choice for long term storage of higher grade coins.  The coins are still exposed to light, air, chemicals and human touching.  Albums have clear plastic covers over the coins, which slide in and out.  This sliding action can leave unwanted and unattractive marks on the coin.

Plastic Flips are available in various materials. "Soft" flips were once made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which decomposed over time with disastrous results for coins;  leaving a green appearance and substance.  PVC flips are no longer made and sold.  Mylar, vinyl and acetate flips do not contain PVC.   While not airtight, they are reasonable choices for moderate value coins that will be "left alone" for multiple years.

Vinyl Pages (8 ½ x 11) which fit into a 3 ring binder.  Well suited for Cardboard and Vinyl Flips, with great visability of coin obverse and reverse.  This is a Great Favorite.

Mylar-lined Cardboard Flips, often called "2x2s" or cardboard flips.  At one time, the most preferred and commonly used.   but also available in other sizes, are similar to plastic flips. A coin is placed between the two halves, which are then folded over and  stapled together (some brands contain an adhesive).  The boxes that they come in are ideal for multiple coin storage.

Tubes are plastic containers designed to hold a number of the same size coins.  They come in different sizes for different coins.  They are fine for bulk storage of circulated coins and are appropriate for higher grade Uncirculated, BU+ and MS60+ coins.  A disadvantage is that the coins cannot be viewed without being removed from the tube.

Hard Plastic Holders are preferable for more valuable coins. They are self sealing, and  not known to contain any materials that harm coins and offer good protection against scratches, touching and handling, air and chemicals, and other physical damage. They are available for individual and small sets of coins, and come in all sizes.

Slabs are Sonically Sealed hard plastic holders for individual coins. They offer Excellent  protection. Because of the expense of having a coin slabbed, they are generally suitable only for more valuable coins – i.e.:  BU+ and MS60+ Coins. 

Although generic slabs are available, most often, a slab will be seen holding a coin that has been Professionally Certified and Graded - which has tremendous advantages.  The biggest advantage is when buying a coin on the Internet or by phone.  You know what you’re getting.   A coin Certified and Graded by one of the “Top Four” gives reliability, assurance and security.  A big advantage over the scam sellers of raw coins, and non-conforming grading companies.

Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins!    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Robert Taylor is a 59 year old retired Lawyer, from Denver, CO, and with a passion for collecting US coins.  So he created  http://www.ThePerfect-Coin.Com   featuring US Dollars (from 1878) and Modern Coins (from 1960), all Graded by NGC or PCGS. 

See other articles by Robert Taylor

Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins!  

Robert L Taylor, JD

Copyright 2006, Robert L Taylor, JD

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

 

<  -  -Back to Coin Articles and News

 

Copyright ©  2007 CoinTerms.com


 

 

Where the investor goes to buy precious metals.

Buy gold online - quickly, safely and at low prices

Get a FREE gram of gold when you sign up!  For a limited time!

 

 

 

Want to know what GOLD and SILVER prices are doing?
Check our our new WEB SITE -

FREE - GOLD and SILVER Spot PRICE Quotes

Prices are updated every few minutes during open market hours. 

 

 

Coin Articles

~ USMint stops American Eagle proof coin production.

~ Buffalo gold coins - Minted in small sizes

~ Are "Steel" cents and nickels coming soon?

~ God-less dollars?

 

New Presidential Dollar coins:

~Errors found on Presidential $

~Edge Letters on Presidential Dollars

~US mint $ coin press release.

~Prez Proof coin Sets delayed

~Production Schedule for upcoming Dollars.

~Legislation Authorizing Presidential Dollar Coins in 2007.


Web CoinTerms.com


Popular Glossary searches:

Face Value

Gold price

.999 fine

Numismatist

Liberty gold coin

Obverse

Buffalo gold coin

Grade

Whizzed

Cull


 



Where the investor goes to buy precious metals.

Buy gold online - quickly, safely and at low prices

Get a FREE gram of gold when you sign up!  For a limited time!


Trade online, in amounts as small as $20 at a time

 

New Presidential Dollar coins:

 

~Edge Letters on Presidential Dollar coins

~US mint $ coin press release.

~Production Schedule for upcoming Dollars.

~Legislation Authorizing Presidential Dollar Coins in 2007.

~Prez Proof Sets delayed

Webmasters - Privacy Statement - Coin Collecting articles wanted - Contact us - Disclaimer  -  Site Map

Copyright  (c) 1999-2010 Coin Terms ~ Some content Copyright 1999 to 2010 by CoinTerms.com 

All rights reserved.  Reselling or reposting this content is in violation of federal and international laws.

We hope you find this numismatic site helpful.   If you own a coin collecting or interesting web site, we appreciate your links to us.

Questions/suggestions for this site? Please email us at  suggestion@cointerms.com