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How to Put a Coin in a Coin Holder

If you want to build a coin collection, you will need plenty of coin holders. Most coin dealers use coin holders consisting of white cardboard with a clear Mylar pocket through which you can see the coin. These are popular because they're inexpensive and you can write on them easily, but you should take precautions when storing your coins in them to prevent any damage to your collection.


  1. 1
    Choose your coin and the correct sized holder. Look for a coin holder that is advertised as "dust-free". The paper dust from the cardboard can cause spotting over time.
  2. 2
    Place the coin in the holder over the plastic.
  3. 3
    Fold the holder at the perforation.
  4. 4
    Hold the top side down.
  5. 5
    Staple at the bottom of the holder. Be sure not to staple too close to the coin because the metal can leach chemicals into the coin, and the coin can get scratched when it's being removed. At the same time, you don't want to put the staple so close to the edge that it doesn't hold it in place strongly enough. • Even if your coin holder is self-sealing, the adhesive can wear out over time and cause the holder to pop open, exposing and possibly losing your coin. Use stapling in addition to the adhesive, or consider not using the adhesive at all if you're concerned about its potential damage to the coin. •Use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze and flatten the two prongs of the staple that get folded at the back of the coin holder. This will ease sliding the coin holders in and out of the pockets of 8.5 by 11 inch clear plastic coin holder sheets.
  6. 6
    Repeat for all four sides.
  7. 7
    Write any information about the coin on the front of the holder (year, grade, grading service, mint mark, etc.). You're done! Happy storing!

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • What do I put on the front, and where?
    wikiHow Contributor
    You can put anything on the front. If it's special in any way or its year you can put something like that on. You write it above the coin as there should be some space.
  • Why do I need to cover it?
    wikiHow Contributor
    It simply keeps it safe and secure so that it will not be damaged or lost.
  • Which is the best to clean old coins: vinegar, lemon or cola?
    wikiHow Contributor
    All three are effective, but the most effective is a vinegar and salt solution.
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    • This includes touching the coin's surface: Always hold any coin of value by the edges. Also, just because a penny is not especially old, it doesn't mean that it's just worth a penny. From 1955 until 1999, there are some pennies, while uncommon, that can be worth $10 to over $3000.
    • Don't attempt to clean a coin. Anything that you do to the coin's surface, no matter how harmless it may seem, will diminish its value.
    • Use gloves when handling coins.


    • When it is time to remove the coin from the holder, be doubly careful. The staples can easily scratch the coin when you are opening this again.
    • Be careful where you staple as you wouldn't want to accidentally damage your coin!

    Things You'll Need

    • Stapler
    • Coin
    • Holder
    • Pliers

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    Article Info

    Featured Article

    Categories: Coins

    In other languages:

    Português: Guardar uma Moeda em um Envelope Numismático

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