- How to handle coins
- Storing your coins
- Displaying your collection
- Research and learning
- Organization
How to Handle Coins
You need to try to avoid handling your coins with your bare hands. You should always use gloves when handling your coins. The oils of your hands will in time deteriorate the condition of the coins.
Storing Your Coins
There are several options for storing your coins. I have found that the better option is to use coin boxes to store 2"x2" cardboard coin holders. You can also use coin tubes, but I personally do not like this option because the coins will clank against each other.
Displaying Your Collection
My favorite way to display my coins is by using albums. There are many varieties of albums depending on what you prefer. You could simply get pocket pages, which hold 20 2"x2" cardboard coin holders. Get as many as you need and simply place them in a three ring binder. If you are collecting coins in a series, for example Washington Quarters by date and mint mark, then you can purchase a custom album which will have a place for each coin for that specific collection.
Research and Learning
Probably one of the most important items in a collection besides the coins themselves is coin books. There are multitude of choices depending on your interest. These books will detail every aspect of the coins you are interested in and some will even have some historical facts.
Organization
Aside from organizing your coins in albums and boxes, it is always a good idea to keep a record or log of what you have. When first starting a collection you can simply log your collection on a spreadsheet, but as your collection grows it is important to use software specifically designed for coin collectors. These programs will let you make an entry for each coin.
