Advice on how to care for mint coins in Australia

Mint coins need to be cared for if you want them to deliver value to you sometime down the track. 

First up, let's talk about how and where you store your mint coins because roper storage protects your coins from the environment and physical damage.:

1. Choose the Right Location Cool and Dry: Store your collection in a location with a stable, cool, and dry temperature. Avoid Hazards: Keep them away from direct sunlight, excessive humidity/moisture, and areas that may have chemical fumes (like a garage). A cool, dry, internal wardrobe or cupboard deep inside the house is generally safer.
2. Use Archival-Safe Holders Each coin should be stored individually to prevent them from rubbing against each other.
   1. Avoid PVC: Never use soft, flexible plastic pages, flips, or holders containing Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). This material breaks down over time, leaving a sticky, difficult-to-remove residue that damages your coins. 
   2. Safe Materials: Choose holders made from what's called archival-safe plastics like Mylar, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Popular safe options include: 
      1. Hard Plastic Capsules (Slabs): Provide the best airtight, rigid protection for individual, valuable coins.
      2. 2x2 Cardboard Holders: Economical option; ensure staples are pressed completely flat to avoid scratching other coins.
      3. Coin Albums/Pages: Must be explicitly labeled as "archival-safe" or "PVC-free." 
   3. Moisture Control: Consider adding a small packet of silica gel to your storage container. This can help control humidity levels - this depends on your location. In Far North Queensland, for example, we think this is a must, especially during the wet season. High humidity (anything consistently above 55% Relative Humidity) accelerates the corrosion and tarnishing of copper (1c, 2c, and modern Al-Bronze coins) and silver (pre-decimal and some modern issues).

Okay, now let's talk about cleaning your coins, or not cleaning them.

The universal advice in coin collecting is to never clean collectible coins.

Cleaning almost always causes damage and reduces the coin's numismatic value.

1. Preserve Patina: The natural toning or patina that forms over time is desirable to collectors and adds to the coin's authenticity. Cleaning removes this. 
2. Micro-Scratches: Even gentle scrubbing or using household chemicals can leave permanent, microscopic scratches that are easily detected by grading services and will lower the coin's grade and value.
3. Professional Consultation: If a coin is severely dirty or has damaging grime, consult a professional numismatist or conservation service before attempting anything yourself.

If a circulated (everyday) coin has dirt/grime and you absolutely must clean it, the least harmful method is a brief, gentle rinse in lukewarm distilled water, then gently pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Never rub or use harsh chemicals/polish.

This is all basic everyday advice that and coin business will provide. We share it today as a reminder of basic storage and care instructions.

Thanks for stopping by.

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