How to Care For Your Gold Coin Collection

Gold coin collecting can be a rewarding hobby. For one thing, gold coins are very interesting, aside from the fact that they never lose their value. A true collector of gold coins looks at their collection as more than just monetary.

Commemorative coins are some of the most significant and historically valuable coins that you can add to your collection. Each piece is an expression of a certain culture as well as a form of art. They are generally made with meticulous craftsmanship, so they are beautiful and a joy to own.

Since your gold coin collection is an investment, you should know how to care for it properly. Here are some common coin storage practices:

· Sealed hard plastic cases or slabs are for your most valuable coins to keep them from being scratched;
· Folders or albums can be used for less valuable coins and especially handy for sets or series, but not well suited to valuable coins;
· Tubes can be used for coins that are circulated and same-size, but not well suited to your more valuable coins;
· Any non-precious metal or items of less value are fine stored in acid free paper sleeves.

If you are a serious collector, you may even want to invest in a storage case that has felt lined drawers. Every gold coin collection requires special handling. Dirt and oils from your skin can damage the finish of your coins over time. Either use cotton gloves to handle your coins, or handle them only around the edges. When you are holding a coin, you should hold it over a cloth in case you drop it. This will prevent the coin from being damaged or scratched.

Over time, exposure to air can cause the metal to oxidize and this will alter the color. It is best to avoid cleaning your coins as much as possible, because cleaning will ultimately damage the finish. Most gold coin collectors find a coin's original appearance (even when the color is altered) preferable. This means that your coins have the most value if you try not to handle them too often. Wiping your coins with a soft cloth can cause small scratches not visible to the naked eye; however upon close inspection by a dealer, they may appear. The last thing that you want to do is devalue your collection. The less you handle your coins with your bare hands, the better.

Elysse Biaca has been writing articles on a wide range of topics. Come and visit her latest post on what you need to know when purchasing american eagle gold bullion coins, which can be found at http://americaneaglegoldbullioncoins.org/.

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