There are two categories of people interested in collecting rare coins: numismatists, who collect coinage for pleasure and investors, who do it for the profit stemming from transactions. Irrespective of how you view yourself and your currency, take note that you will never meet your objective unless you know how to take good care of your coins. In other words, as a collector or an investor, your primary concerns should be the protection and preservation of the coinage. Following are the top 5 behaviors that can deteriorate and damage your precious rare coins.

Touching the coins

In the event that you’re collecting high grade coins – particularly mint-state and proof coins – then you will want to avoid touching them with your bare hands. In case you didn’t know, your skin contains oils and minuscule particles of grit that will stick to the coins, thus causing microscopic scuffs and discolorations. Consequentially, always remember to wear latex or cotton gloves every time you handle your coins.

Cleaning the coins

More often than not, cleaning the coinage is bound to cause more harm than good. The only exception to the rule consists of coinage you recently dug up with the aid of a metal detector. Otherwise, cleaning is contraindicated due to the metal’s reaction to air: once it’s exposed to air, metal begins to oxidize and loses its patina or tone. Toning will not only eliminate any mint luster left, but chances are the coin will get scratched, thus lowering its grade.

Speaking of cleaning, some amateur collectors sometime use saliva to remove small bits of dirt. What they don’t realize is that saliva leads to spotting and discolorations, both of which are difficult to eliminate.

Storing the coins in inappropriate holders

While some collectors are aware of the importance of proper storage, they know little about the proper way to do so. By placing them in envelops, cardboard boxes or wrapping them in paper without making sure the materials are acid-free, you are exposing the coins to harmful factors. Acidic chemicals are released as paper breaks down, thus promoting oxidation and causing spotting as well as discoloration in the long run.

Leaving the coins exposed to the elements

Granted, storing the rare coins in acid-free holders is important. However, it is equally critical that the collection is kept in a room where you can control the temperature and humidity. Therefore, storing the collection in the attic or basement is likely to expose them to extreme temperatures and humidity, which in turn will promote oxidation. Moreover, such conditions are more likely to break down the holders’ materials, thus leaving the coinage completely exposed.

Removing the coins from their original holders

In case your rare coins have arrived in mint-issued holders, then the last thing you want to do is break their original packaging. In general, coins that are slabbed or encapsulated in a premium mint protective case maintain their value while kept there. Once removed, the mint coin or proof set coin loses its worth. Remember, never remove such coins from their permanent holders.