Coin collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby, but if you’re not careful, you might reduce the value of your collection without even realizing it. Here are five mistakes to avoid to keep your coins in great condition.
1. Cleaning Coins the Wrong Way
It might be tempting to clean your coins to make them look shiny, but cleaning them incorrectly can hurt their value. Scrubbing, using harsh chemicals, or over-polishing can remove the coin’s natural surface (called patina), which collectors highly value.
Examples of Bad Cleaning:
- Using metal polish or acid-based solutions.
- Scrubbing with rough brushes.
- Soaking in strong chemicals.
2. Storing Coins Improperly
Where and how you store your coins is just as important as how you handle them. Coins can lose value when exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight, which can cause tarnishing and corrosion.
Bad Storage Choices:
- Keeping coins in damp or humid places.
- Using plastic holders that contain PVC, which can release chemicals over time.
- Leaving coins in areas with changing temperatures.
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3. Handling Coins with Bare Hands
Touching your coins without care can lead to wear and tear. Oils and acids from your skin can damage the surface of coins, leading to spots and other issues. Always handle coins by their edges, and if possible, use cotton gloves.
Handling Mistakes:
- Touching the coin’s face directly.
- Stacking coins without protection, which can cause scratches.
- Dropping coins, which can dent or damage them.
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4. Losing Documentation or Provenance
A coin’s history, or provenance, can greatly increase its value. If you lose documents that prove where the coin came from or who owned it before you, the coin can lose its appeal to serious collectors.
Provenance Mistakes:
- Misplacing certificates of authenticity.
- Forgetting to track where the coin was purchased or who owned it.
5. Modifying Coins
Changing a coin’s original look by engraving, drilling, or reshaping it can seriously lower its value. Collectors prefer coins in their natural state, and even small changes can make a big difference in how much the coin is worth.
Harmful Modifications:
- Engraving or adding etchings.
- Over-polishing to make it look shinier.
- Drilling holes for jewelry.
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By avoiding these common mistakes, you can protect the value of your coin collection and enjoy it for years to come.