Copper Coins

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Coin Collection - Why and How to Keep Coins High and Dry ?

Moisture is a coin's worst enemy. Coins are made of metal, some of which is very chemically active. According to the laws of chemistry and physics, your coins will most certainly deteriorate over time unless you protect them.

A coin begins reacting with its environment as soon as it is struck (made). Any changes are subtle for the most part, but in some cases the changes may be significant. A copper coin's color changes; it may corrode or oxidize. This often starts as a tiny spot that grows until it eventually eats into the coin's surface. A single spot is bad enough, but poorly preserved coins may end up covered with spots and/or green corrosion. Naturally, collectors hate spots, corrosion, and coins with pitted surfaces (referred to as pitting). Unless the coin is a great rarity, such damage destroys any collector value.

Silver and gold coins are just as susceptible to chemical reactions. Over time, silver will tarnish or tone, resulting in a film of color that can range from light and subtle to dark and unattractive. Gold is relatively inert, but most gold coins include a small percentage of copper, which is a very sensitive metal.

Many of the chemical reactions that occur on the surface of a coin require, or are accelerated by, water. Simply put, water kills coins. Moisture of any kind should be avoided at all cost. If you live in an area of high humidity or ocean spray, protecting your coins becomes more difficult and important.

However, there are several things you can do to ensure that your coins remain as pristine and as beautiful as they were the day you bought them.

Keep them dry

Most holders are not meant to be watertight or airtight; other holders claim to be so. However, we suggest erring on the side of caution by assuming that every holder leaks air or water. Take the same precautions with all holders, regardless of the claims made by the manufacturers.

The changes that occur on the surface of a coin are at the chemical or molecular level, so you won't always be able to see them. All it takes is a tiny hole for air and moisture to seep in.

Using a desiccant

A desiccant is a drying agent available at your local hardware store. You've probably seen small packets of desiccant in leather goods such as shoes and bags. Desiccants do a fabulous job of removing moisture from the air, and in some cases they may be reused simply by drying them out in an oven under low heat.

Why are desiccants necessary in a watertight holder? Because when you seal a coin in a watertight container, you're also sealing in any moisture in the atmosphere around it. A desiccant absorbs the moisture from the air, binds it, and keeps it away from your coin. In areas susceptible to moisture or humidity, desiccants are essential. Check your desiccant every month and either re-dry it or replace it.

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