Protective coin folders can prevent hairline scratches, chemical deterioration, and dirt from devaluing your coin collection. However, beware that certain albums, folders, and paper envelopes may actually endanger your coins by imparting small amounts of chemicals, such as sulfur, which may react with the metals in your precious dimes, nickels, and pennies. So what are some good alternatives to coin folders? Mylar-lined cardboard albums, plastic tubes, and plastic folders--not made with the chemical, polyvinyl chloride--can protect important metal pieces. However, you should store your most precious rarities in a hard plastic holder. If you don't care about display, you may even use a box or jar for some of your coins. Collectors should understand that even the best and most airtight coin folders or protective devices won't stop the process of degradation. Oils, acids, and chemicals left on the coins at the time of insertion may etch into the metal. You can get coins cleaned by an expert prior to shelving, but if the cleaning process goes wrong, your coins could steeply decline in value. That said, with best care, you should be able to preserve your coins adequately far into the future. If clarity, luster, and lack of scratches are important to you, consider getting all mint sets. The U.S. Mint issues these regularly. Minted coins can appreciated in value significantly more than their in-circulation counterparts. As a case in point, consider that buffalo nickel proofs minted prior to 1930 can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. |
