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Cleaning coins is a no-no. Humans are crows and shiny is better. All that glitters is gold. But the shine has to be there in the first place and not be enhanced. Coins with their original finish are valuable because of the quality of their original striking, the lack of wear on them, and their eye appeal. Attractively toned copper and silver coins are also desired by coin connoisseurs. Polishing the coins abrades and changes their surfaces, reducing their eye appeal and collectabilty. Cleaning coins wears them down and lowers their grades. It might be okay to shine a common date silver dollar as a keepsake. It is highly likely that most old and ancient coins will have been cleaned. We need to care for our coins, and protect them from cleaning, wear, and scratches. |
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Many types of coin holders can cause problems as well. Plastics sliding across coin surfaces may cause tiny scratches. The plastics that cover coins may break down and turn the coins green, or coat them in goo. Watch your collection for signs of trouble. Store your coins in a box or album so that weight is not applied to them, and there are no extremes of temperature. Fire safes and safety deposit boxes may cause condensation problems, which are even more dangerous to stamps and banknotes. Put some silica gel, a dessicant that removes moisture from the air, in with your collectibles. | |
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Beware of whizzed, or overly polished coins. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Buy your coins from a trusted source, with a liberal return policy, or guarantee. If you have, or are acquiring, coins valued at five hundred dollars or more, consider using a third-party grading service. I.C.C.S. is well respected for Canadian coins. P.C.G.S. is universally accepted for American coins. For a fee, coin experts who have no vested interest in the selling price will grade and encapsulate your coins. This makes the coins more merchantable and protects buyers and sellers. The holders are generally regarded as safe. Some people feel that so-called slabbed coins lack a certain hold it in your hand appeal that raw coins have. |
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A fiery red-toned copper cent, a flashing white silver dollar, and a rainbow-hued silver quarter, all dazzle collectors eyes. Toning can also be enhanced, or used to hide defects. With practice and patience, collectors can learn to see the beauty beneath the blackening on silver coins. Consult an experienced dealer, or collector friend, before reaching for the coin cleaner, and harming your holdings. Likewise, if your coins have storage problems, help may be available. Some chemicals can remove plastic pvcs, spotting, or oiling, without changing the coins metallic finish, or altering the surfaces. Seek expert advice and use caution with potentially carcinogenic chemicals. The thrill of the hunt is only part of the reward from the many challenges of coin collecting. |
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Newsletter #57: Royal Canadian Mint Launches Lucky Loonie in Vancouver |
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5630 Dunbar St. at 41st Ave. Phone: 604-684-4613 Fax: 604-266-4515 e-mail: collect@direct.ca |
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