Essential Care for Your New Coin Collection

As a long-time coin collector, I recently came across a fascinating group of old world coins—about 200 pieces spanning from ancient times up to 1948, including many uncirculated examples from the 1700s and 1800s. This new addition got me thinking seriously about proper care, especially since recent handling left potential fingerprints and raised concerns about contaminants. Let me share what I’ve learned from my experience.

The Risks of Cleaning Coins

At first, I thought about cleaning these coins to remove fingerprint oils, but I quickly realized it’s a risky move. Cleaning can strip away the original surfaces we collectors cherish, permanently damaging both value and authenticity. With ancient coins, there’s a little more leeway because many were cleaned in the past, but unnecessary tampering still detracts from their appeal. In our hobby, preserving that untouched ‘skin’ is vital for maintaining grading integrity and market desirability.

Gentle Preservation Techniques

Soap and water can cause harm, so I’ve turned to acetone for gentle care. Pure acetone is safe for most coin metals and does a great job removing fingerprint oils, dust, and environmental contaminants like PVC from old storage materials. After trying it myself, I now give every raw coin an acetone bath to be safe. Here’s how I do it:

• Use 100% pure acetone—nothing with additives
• Gently submerge the coin for a few minutes to dissolve residues
• Rinse with distilled water if needed, but never scrub
• Air-dry or pat lightly with a soft, lint-free cloth

I was amazed to see green PVC residue on Q-tips after treating a Saxon coin—it showed me just how important this step is for preventing long-term damage.

Handling and Storage Essentials

Careful handling is absolutely essential. I always pick up coins by their edges to avoid new fingerprints. It’s also important to think about the environment—consider whether the previous owner exposed coins to smoke or humidity, which can speed up deterioration. For storage, I use inert, museum-quality holders to protect against contaminants, avoiding old plastics that caused problems in this collection.

My Personal Approach to Coin Care

Using these methods has changed how I handle new additions. I now make it a habit to give every incoming coin an acetone dip, so they start off in my collection free from hidden threats. This not only preserves their condition but also gives me more confidence in grading and future valuations. Coins like the Portuguese Guinea or MacArthur pieces in this lot have thrived with this care, reminding me that patience and precision pay off in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a coin collection is about honoring history and making sure they last. By avoiding cleaning and focusing on safe preservation like acetone treatments, I’ve protected my coins’ beauty and value. Whether you’re dealing with ancient relics or modern mintings, these practices are essential for any collector who wants to preserve the past.