My Personal Approach to Caring for a New Coin Collection

Not long ago, I came into a fantastic collection of old world coins—around 200 pieces spanning from the 1700s up to 1948, plus a few ancient surprises. Many appeared uncirculated, but I spotted telltale signs of handling, like what looked like auction house fingerprints. That discovery sent me down the rabbit hole of proper coin care, and I’d love to share what I’ve picked up to help you protect your own treasures.

First Impressions and Handling Lessons

Unboxing that collection was thrilling yet nerve-wracking. I could almost feel the history in my hands, but I also worried about skin oils and contaminants causing damage. It hit me that even small handling mistakes can permanently alter a coin’s surface—especially with uncirculated pieces. Now I make it a rule to only touch coins by their edges, using either clean hands or cotton gloves. Remember, that original surface is sacred ground in our hobby; once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back.

The Cleaning Question: When to Leave Well Enough Alone

I’ll admit—those fingerprints tempted me to try cleaning. But I soon learned that harsh methods like soap scrub away the natural patina we collectors cherish. While ancient coins sometimes get a pass for past cleanings, today’s approach is all about preservation. Here’s what guides me now:

• Leave cleaning as a last resort—that original surface tells the coin’s authentic story
• Always test methods on common coins first (I learned this the hard way!)
• Watch for sneaky threats like smoke residue or acidic storage materials

Acetone: My Secret Weapon for Gunk Removal

Through trial and error, I discovered pure acetone works wonders on oils and residues without harming most metals. It lifts gunk without touching the natural toning we love. After testing it on several pieces—gentle soaks followed by light dabs with Q-tips, no rubbing!—I was amazed. That ugly green PVC gunk from old plastic flips vanished like magic. Here’s how I do it safely:

• Use pure acetone (never nail polish remover) with good ventilation
• Brief soaks only, then air-drying—no shortcuts
• Snap before-and-after photos; they’re eye-opening for tracking changes

Battling PVC Damage and Smart Storage Solutions

That Saxon coin with green corrosion taught me about PVC damage from outdated holders. Acetone fixed it right up, proving that proper storage matters as much as cleaning. I’ve switched entirely to archival-quality materials now, avoiding flexible plastics that break down. For silver coins especially, I give every new acquisition an acetone bath—it’s become my standard welcome ritual.

Real-World Results and Collector Wisdom

After treating nine coins, I saw how acetone brightened pieces like my Portuguese Guinea without altering their essence. What really stuck with me? Gentle preservation beats aggressive restoration every time. Today’s collectors value originality above all, so I’ve adopted a simple philosophy: protect what’s there rather than trying to “improve” history.

Putting It Into Practice

Here’s what stays in my coin care toolkit: careful handling, acetone for safe cleaning, and proper storage. At its heart, our hobby connects us to history—each coin deserves respect. Treat them right, and they’ll share their stories for generations. Happy hunting!