How To Store Coins

Coins should be stored individually. Storing coins together, in a jar perhaps, will cause the coins to scrape against each other. As well as marking the coins, they will also tarnish each other.

The cheapest way to store coins individually is paper envelopes. The envelopes should be made from acid-free paper. The acids in normal paper will discolour the coins over time. Acid-free 2" x 2" paper envelopes are available from coin shops.

Better then paper envelopes is plastic is plastic flips or re-sealable plastic bags because these allow you to look at the coins without handling them. If you use plastic envelopes, make sure they are made from mylar or another plastic that does not contain PVC. PVC will discolour or damage the coins over time. Plastic envelopes suitable for coin collectors are available from coin shops. If the top of the envelope is open, not sealed, to allow the coin to be inserted, this is only suitable for temporary storage because air and moisture can get in and corrode the coin.

More expensive are coin albums. These are available from coin shops with plastic album pages but the PVC-free ones can be expensive.

Still more expensive, the serious coin collector with a valuable collection can get their coins slabbed, or encased, in hard plastic. This is done by a professional who also grades the coins at the same time. This is really out of the scope of someone just starting a coin collection unless they happen to have a really valuable coin.

In conclusion, coins should ideally be stored in air-tight containers that are both acid-free and do not contain PVC. Exposure to the air oxidizes metal, changing its color. This might not reduce the value of your coins but does affect their appearance.

Placing packets of silica gel in coin storage areas will also help to  control atmospheric moisture.