When starting a coin collection you will need certain supplies to properly care for the coins. These coin collector supplies will protect and preserve the pristine condition of the coins for years to come.
Inspecting and handling a coin requires special tools, especially for high-value collectibles. These coin collector supplies include gloves, coin tongs and padded trays for handling. These products help protect your hands from oil and dirt that may damage the surface of a coin, thus lowering its value. Using gloves will also ensure that you are not touching any parts of the coin that could cause scratches. A good quality set of coin tongs will allow you to pick up the coin by the rim rather than touching the face.
Lastly, a stereo zoom microscope is used to authenticate a coin and determine die varieties. A good stereo zoom microscope will have dual eyepieces and a high level of magnification.
When collecting a coin collection it is important to store the coins in a protective box that is acid free. Acid free storage means a box that is not made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC off-gases acids into the stored coin, which will eventually coat the coin with a green sticky substance that will ruin the coin’s surface. The best way to avoid this is to use a box that is made of acid free cardboard.