Handling and Storing Coins (and Why You NEVER Clean Them)

Hold coins by their edges, between your thumb and forefinger, over a soft surface like a folded towel. Fingerprints contain oils and acids that etch into coin surfaces over months and can permanently mark an uncirculated coin. Edges only — it becomes habit fast.

For storage, use 2x2 cardboard flips (the kind you staple shut), non-PVC plastic flips, or coin folders and albums. Avoid old soft vinyl flips and PVC pages: PVC breaks down over time and deposits a green slime that damages coins. Keep everything somewhere cool and dry — attics and basements with humidity swings are the enemy.

Now the big one: NEVER CLEAN YOUR COINS. Not with a pencil eraser, not with ketchup, not with baking soda, not with a jewelry cloth. Cleaning strips away the coin's original surface and luster, leaves hairline scratches, and collectors and grading services can spot it instantly. A cleaned coin routinely loses 50% or more of its value, and the damage is permanent. A dirty original coin is always worth more than a shiny cleaned one.

The only exception ever worth mentioning: loose surface dirt can be rinsed off with plain water or acetone and the coin patted (never rubbed) dry — and even that should wait until you have experience. When in doubt, do nothing. 'Ugly and original' beats 'shiny and ruined' every single time.