How To Store Your Coins

Table of Contents:

Guide to Understanding Your Coins 

• How to Get Started 

• How to Inventory Your Coins 

• How to Handle Your Coins 

• How to Identify Your Coins 

• How to Grade Your Coins 

• How to Sell Your Coins 

• How to Store Your Coins 

Proper storage is crucial for preserving the value, appearance, and longevity of your coins. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of best practices for coin storage.  Keep in mind that this isn't always the easiest to accomplish in our local climate.  Try and do your best and make sure the effort you put in matches the value of the coins.  You don't need to go to extreme measure to protect coins that are more valuable as mementos than they are as their numismatic value.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Climate Control

• Temperature: Keep coins in a cool place (ideally 65–70°F / 18–21°C).

• Humidity: Should be below 50%. High humidity accelerates corrosion, especially for copper, silver, and nickel coins.

  • Use silica gel packs or desiccants to absorb moisture inside storage containers.

  • Avoid basements, garages, or attics — temperature and humidity can fluctuate drastically.

Air Quality - keep coins away from:

• Airborne pollutants (e.g. smoke, household cleaners, perfumes)

• Direct sunlight (causes fading and surface deterioration)

• Salt air (if near the ocean, use airtight containers)

Tips:

• Use Archival Materials

• Store coins in acid-free holders, flips, or capsules.

• Avoid PVC-based plastic (can degrade and harm the coin).

Keep in a Stable Environment

• Ideal temperature: around 65–70°F (18–21°C).

• Low humidity (below 50%) to prevent oxidation.

• Store away from sunlight, which can cause fading.

Use Proper Holders

• Airtight capsules:

  • Best for high-value or bullion coins.

  • Made from inert materials like acrylic or polystyrene.

  • Protects against air, moisture, and handling damage.

• Coin albums: good for organizing and displaying collections.

• 2x2 Cardboard Holders

  • Cardboard frame with a Mylar window.

  • Staple shut after inserting the coin; write info (date, mintmark, grade).

  • Budget-friendly and widely used.

• Mylar Flips (Plastic Flips)

  • Two-pocket clear flips made from archival-safe plastic (no PVC).

  • One side for the coin, one for a label or documentation.

  • Great for temporary or semi-permanent storage.

• Coin Albums and Binders

  • Offer organized display and some protection.

  • Choose albums made from acid-free, PVC-free materials.

  • Avoid bending or overstuffing pages.

• Storage Boxes and Safes

  • Use archival coin storage boxes to group holders or capsules.

  • For higher-value collections, store in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.

  • Line metal safes with inert foam or fabric to reduce condensation risk.