Coin collecting is a wonderful hobby – one that brings history to life and can be enjoyed by anyone. But like any hobby, it can have a learning curve. And if you’re not careful, you can make mistakes that damage your collection and hurt its value.
One of the most common mistakes that collectors make is touching coins with bare hands. This is particularly a problem for valuable proof and uncirculated coins, which can be damaged by even the smallest specks of oil on your fingers or palms. This damage may not be visible to the naked eye, but it can wear away at a coin’s luster over time.
Handling coins without gloves also poses a risk of dropping the coin. This can happen even to the most careful of collectors, so it’s always a good idea to hold a coin by its edge over a soft surface while examining it. And of course, you should always use protective holders to store and display your coins. These holders will protect them from the oils and dirt found on your hands and other hard surfaces that can cause dings and scratches.
You should also avoid cleaning your coins, as this can damage them. Many cleaners are acidic and can damage coins over time. And if you’re going to clean your coins, it’s important to do so only with the help of a professional coin dealer who can determine the best methods for cleaning them and which cleaners are safest.