Preserving Your 1987 Quarter: A Conservationist’s Guide to Proper Storage and Care

Understanding Your 1987 Quarter

The 1987 quarter, a modern Washington quarter from the Philadelphia mint, represents an interesting case study in coin preservation. Unlike earlier quarters where mint marks were punched individually onto dies, by 1987 the mint marks were already incorporated into the master hub. This means your quarter lacks the doubled die varieties that collectors often seek in earlier dates.

The Danger of Improper Cleaning

I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper cleaning or storage. Here is how to keep this safe for the next generation. The first rule of coin conservation is simple: never clean your coins. What appears to be tarnish or discoloration is often natural toning that can actually enhance a coin’s value to collectors. The 1987 quarter you’ve shown appears to have machine doubling, not a collectible variety, but improper cleaning could still significantly reduce its numismatic value.

Why Cleaning Destroys Value

When you clean a coin, you’re essentially removing microscopic layers of metal. This process creates tiny scratches that are visible under magnification and can never be reversed. Even gentle cleaning solutions can strip away the natural patina that develops over decades. For modern clad coins like your 1987 quarter, cleaning can expose the copper core and create unsightly color variations that permanently damage the coin’s appearance and eye appeal.

Understanding Toning and Oxidation

Natural toning on coins is a result of chemical reactions between the metal and environmental factors like air, moisture, and sulfur compounds. For silver coins, this creates beautiful rainbow hues. While your 1987 quarter is primarily copper-nickel clad over a copper core, understanding toning is crucial for any collector.

The Science of Coin Toning

Toning occurs when metal atoms on the coin’s surface react with sulfur, oxygen, and other elements in the environment. This creates thin layers of metal oxides and sulfides that reflect light differently, producing various colors. The process is gradual and creates unique patterns based on how the coin was stored and handled. What many mistake for damage is actually a natural aging process that can add character and even value to a coin.

PVC Damage: The Silent Killer

One of the most insidious threats to coin preservation is PVC (polyvinyl chloride) damage. Many older coin holders and flips contained PVC, which can leach out over time and create a greenish, slimy residue on coins. This chemical reaction permanently etches the coin’s surface.

Identifying PVC Damage

PVC damage typically appears as a cloudy, greenish film on the coin’s surface. It often starts at the edges and works inward. The damage is irreversible and can significantly reduce a coin’s value. Modern archival-quality holders are PVC-free, but if you have older storage materials, it’s worth checking your collection for signs of contamination.

Proper Holders and Storage Solutions

The key to preserving your 1987 quarter and other coins lies in proper storage. Modern archival materials are designed to protect coins from environmental damage while allowing you to view and enjoy your collection.

Recommended Storage Options

For individual coins, consider these options:

• Archival-quality flips made from polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene
• Airtight holders (Air-Tites) for premium coins
• Acid-free paper envelopes for bulk storage
• Temperature and humidity-controlled environments

What to Avoid

Never store coins in:

• Ordinary plastic bags or containers
• Paper that isn’t acid-free
• Areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations
• Direct contact with other coins (use individual holders)

Environmental Control for Long-Term Preservation

Coins are remarkably durable, but they’re still susceptible to environmental damage. The ideal storage environment maintains consistent temperature and humidity levels.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Aim for:

• Temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C)
• Relative humidity between 40-50%
• Minimal exposure to direct sunlight
• Protection from air pollutants and sulfur compounds

Handling Your Coins Properly

Even with perfect storage, improper handling can damage your coins. Always handle coins by their edges, never touching the flat surfaces with your fingers. The oils and acids on your skin can leave permanent marks and accelerate toning or corrosion.

Best Practices for Coin Handling

When examining your 1987 quarter or any coin:

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
• Hold the coin between your thumb and forefinger on the edge
• Work on a soft, clean surface in case you drop the coin
• Consider using cotton gloves for particularly valuable pieces
• Keep food, drinks, and other contaminants away from your workspace

Documentation and Organization

Proper documentation enhances the value of your collection and helps track any changes over time. For your 1987 quarter, note the date, mint mark (or lack thereof for Philadelphia), condition, and any unique characteristics.

Creating a Collection Log

Maintain records that include:

• Purchase date and price
• Current grade or condition assessment
• Storage location
• Photographs for comparison over time
• Any conservation work performed (though cleaning should be avoided)

Professional Conservation Services

For particularly valuable coins or those already showing signs of damage, professional conservation services exist. However, for a common date like the 1987 quarter, the cost of professional conservation would likely exceed any potential increase in value.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional conservation only for:

• Coins valued over $1,000
• Coins with significant historical importance
• Coins already damaged by improper storage
• Coins you plan to submit for grading

The Ethics of Coin Conservation

As a conservationist, I believe in preserving coins in their natural state whenever possible. The goal is to prevent further deterioration, not to make a coin look “better” or more attractive. This philosophy respects the coin’s history and maintains its integrity for future generations.

Conservation vs. Restoration

Conservation aims to stabilize and protect, while restoration attempts to return a coin to its original appearance. For most collectors, conservation is the ethical choice. Your 1987 quarter, even with machine doubling, tells a story about minting processes and should be preserved as-is.

Conclusion: Preserving History for Future Generations

Your 1987 quarter, while not a rare variety, represents an important piece of modern minting history. By following proper conservation practices—avoiding cleaning, using archival storage materials, controlling environmental factors, and handling coins properly—you ensure that this and other coins in your collection will remain in excellent condition for generations to come.

Remember that the goal of coin preservation isn’t just to maintain monetary value, but to protect tangible pieces of history. Each coin tells a story about the era it was minted in, the technology used to create it, and the countless hands it has passed through. By being a responsible steward of these artifacts, you contribute to the preservation of our shared numismatic heritage.

The 1987 quarter may not be particularly valuable today, but proper preservation means it could become a fascinating historical artifact for collectors a century from now. The choices you make in storing and caring for your coins today will determine how they’re appreciated by future generations of numismatists and historians.