• Daily Deals
  • Sell
  • Customer Support
  • Shop now

tips on Storing your COIN COLLECTION

By Published by
. Views . Comments Comment . 15 Votes
First, above all, do no harm. Strictures on cleaning coins are well-known in collecting circles, even though there's continued debate about how and when. Despite that, there's general agreement on how to store coins.  To avoid the damaging effects of oxidation, finger oil, scrapes, etc, coins should at least be stored in Mylar plastic containers, one coin per compartment. They come in a variety of styles.

Inexpensive Mylar-lined cardboard holders can be purchased. The holders have a small, round cut-out for placing the coin so it can be held up and seen from either side. They come in a form sometimes called two-by-two's. They are often 2 inches by 2 inches.

Some holders are sheets that will hold several coins, but each in its own separate area. Others are small, individual sleeves that will hold one coin each. Several styles have holes punched in the edge so that coins can be stored in a binder, but these are not ideal. Coins should be displayed.




Whichever style of cabinet you get, apart from those with in-built dehumidifiers, it's helpful to have a supply of silica gel packages or other desiccant. They absorb moisture that contributes greatly to oxidation.

Some collectors will coat the coins with vegetable oil or wax before storing, but these practices are controversial. Oil can attract contaminants and wax may give a false sense of security, since it can easily wear off or dull the view. Mineral oil coated would be best bet as it does not deteriorate over long time.


Scotch tape or taping coins to cardboard display boards were a common practice, but should be avoided as the glue deteriorates and even the plastic of the tape itself will attack the surface of a coin.

While avoiding exposure to air is good, it's not true that any kind of packaging is better than none. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sleeves are generally not recommended. They can cause the coin's surface to become coated with a greenish sludge that is harmful and difficult to remove cleanly.

Though displaying coins is preferable, storing them away is sometimes necessary. Paper envelopes can be used for this, but avoid standard office supplies. Get envelopes specifically made for coin storage. The sulfur in ordinary paper can damage coins, especially ones containing copper.

Never store collectible coins in any kind of bulk container, such as penny rolls, plastic tubes, etc. That leads to scratching and denting and doesn't keep out harmful air.

Coins exhibiting corrosion due to impropper storage are oftenly rejected grading by the nations top coin grading services e.g. PCGS and ANACS.

Specially-made sealed containers that hold a collectible are best, though they add to the up-front cost of the coin. In the long-run, however, they will keep your coin in good condition for long term storage and display.

Write a guide
Explore More
Choose a template

Additional site navigation