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How to Take Care of Collectible Coins
There are collectors that specifically find
classic editions of coins that existed during the period from
1892 to 1954. These coins have marked events or may signify the
work of royalty during that period. There are those collectors
that prefer the modern series that are very distinct as well.
One modern collection is that of the quarter dollars that
represent the 50 states of the US. Minting and circulation
started in 1999 and will continue until 2008. These are
specially made editions available for collectors.
Many collectible coins are made of copper and a collector may
encounter problems in maintaining their features and appearance.
A person collecting this type of coin should learn how to
maintain and take proper care of these expensive collections.
Copper coins should be cleaned correctly and must be preserved
the same way professional collectors treat their coins.
Professional collectors clean their coins by the process of
placing the coins in a container that is airtight. This is a
safe way to preserve the features of the coins. Because of the
coins’ years of circulation, there is the possibility of a coin
accumulating encrustations, coatings, dirt, and other problems
on a coin’s face. These accumulations may cause pitting and
corrosion to the surface of the copper coin. The corroded
portions should be removed properly without making any
scratches.
There are products available that are made especially for coin
cleaning. Coin suppliers have these products that are
specifically made for coin maintenance and cleaning in stock.
One product made for this purpose is MS70 which removes
corrosion and other surface dirt. It is advisable to use rubber
gloves for the protection of your hands, as MS70 can dry the
skin but this should be of little concern because it is not that
harsh on the skin. A soft toothbrush may help with cleaning and
removing any dirt that is in the surface of the coin.
Improvement in the appearance of the coin will be seen after it
has been soaked and cleaned. If satisfaction is not met on the
cleanliness and appearance of the coin, he may add baking soda
to neutralize the MS70 and soak it in warm water.
After he is through with the soaking, he may dry the coin using
a Blue Ribbon coin cleaner and preservative; he may apply a coat
and dry it for a couple of days then wipe the damp parts with
soft cotton balls and place it on a small cardboard with a space
on the center.
If he finds discoloring on the coin, he may use Dellars Darkener
after he has soaked it in MS70. He may use this product before
he applies the Blue Ribbon cleaner and preservative until he is
satisfied with the cleanliness of his coin. Once satisfied with
the new appearance of the coin, he may again return it to its
set or collection
.
The next step would be maintenance and preservation the
collection. Here are some tips on how to take care of coin
collections:
1. The coin should be protected from exposure to any kind of
elements. It is also important not to scratch the coins; they
should be handled with care to avoid scratches on the surface of
the coins.
2. It is safe to store the coins in plastic cases or pockets
that are made specifically for coin collections and sets. These
cases and pockets can protect the coins from dirt and scratches.
3. Coins should be cleaned properly using vinegar, lemon juice,
ammonia or rubbing alcohol.
4. If there is unwanted dirt that is hard to remove on the
surface, chemical products for cleaning like Tarnex may be used.
This option may be used if vinegar and lemon juice were not able
to remove the dirt.
5. It is very important to remember that the value of the coin
may depreciate if the coin has been cleaned. It is recommended
to seek the advice of an expert on other ways of preserving a
coin
Many coin collectors believe that a person should never ever
clean their collection because they believe that any product
that is applied to the coin will affect the surface. A person
should know how to preserve their collection and avoid dirt from
touching the coins.