15 Tips for Preserving Historical Coins Found While Metal Detecting
Coin preservation is an essential aspect of metal detecting. For many enthusiasts, the thrill of discovering a historical coin or artifact is matched only by the satisfaction of preserving it for future generations. Coins are valuable artifacts that can provide insights into past civilizations and cultures, making them precious to historians and collectors alike.
In this article, we’ll share 15 tips for preserving coins found while metal detecting. Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned pro, these tips will help ensure your coins remain in top condition for years to come.
1. Handle Coins Carefully
The first step in preserving coins is to handle them carefully. When handling coins, avoid touching them with your bare hands as this can transfer oils and dirt onto the surface which can lead to corrosion over time. Instead, use gloves made from cotton or nitrile when handling your coins.
2. Clean Coins Properly
Cleaning your coins is an important part of preservation but must be done correctly to avoid damaging them further than they may already be damaged due to age and exposure conditions.
Before cleaning any coin found while metal detecting always check if it’s worth having professionally cleaned instead of attempting it yourself; some rare finds should not be cleaned at all as doing so could damage their value significantly.
Otherwise, start by soaking your coin in distilled water overnight – don’t use tap water because it contains minerals that could cause further damage; next using a soft-bristled toothbrush with mild dish soap gently scrub around both sides then rinse thoroughly with distilled water before patting dry very gentle with tissue paper – never rub hard on delicate areas (e.g., date/mintmark)!
3. Keep Coins Dry
After cleaning your coins make sure they are completely dry before storing them away safely; dampness causes oxidation which leads directly towards corroding- therefore keep any moisture out!
4. Store In Quality Flip Holders Or Coin Folders
When looking for methods to store coins, it’s essential to choose high-quality holders or coin folders that are acid-free and made from materials that won’t damage the coins.
Flip holders are a popular choice as they’re inexpensive and easy to use. They’re available in different sizes, so you can find one that fits your coin perfectly. Flip holders have two pockets; one for the coin and another for labeling information such as date, type, or location of where it was found.
Coin folders are also great options for those who want something more substantial than flip holders. They allow you to store multiple coins in one place while keeping them organized by denomination or series.
5. Store In A Dry Place
Once you’ve chosen your storage method, make sure to keep your collection in a dry place away from moisture and humidity. Basements or attics may not be the best places to store your coins because they tend to be damp areas with fluctuating temperatures which could cause corrosion over time.
6. Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper
When handling coins without gloves on some occasions -it’s important only ever using acid-free tissue paper when touching them instead of ordinary tissue paper- this is due to its chemical properties not causing any harm towards the surface of the metal (e.g., silver).
7. Be Aware Of Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations can cause significant damage to coins over time if left unchecked – avoid storing them near windows receiving direct sunlight or anywhere experiencing temperature changes regularly like next an air conditioning unit.
8. Keep Coins Out Of Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight exposure should be avoided at all costs – UV rays from sunlight will quickly lead towards oxidization which accelerates corrosion happening on top layers (if any) leading eventually towards deeper layers too!
9. Avoid Exposure To Airborne Particles And Chemicals
Alongside avoiding direct sunlight exposure – avoid exposing fragile surfaces of old copper pennies etc., airborne particles like dirt/dust as well as chemicals from cleaning products or other sources that could be harmful towards the surface of coins.
10. Keep Coins Organized
Organizing your collection is an important part of preservation too – it doesn’t matter whether you store them in flip holders, coin folders, or any other method; just make sure to keep them organized by date, type, denomination…etc., so you can easily find what you’re looking for when needed.
11. Label Your Collection
Labeling your collection is also important and allows for easy identification in case of loss or theft – use labels on storage devices like flip holders/coin folders to include pertinent information such as date found, location found and anything else that may help identify the coin later on!
12. Handle Rare Coins With Extra Care
When handling rare coins found while metal detecting always take extra care to avoid damaging them further than they already are due to their age and exposure conditions.
13. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals Or Abrasives
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives when cleaning coins because this could cause significant damage over time making the condition worse than before cleaning- never ever use steel wool!
14. Seek Professional Help If Necessary
If you’re not confident about preserving a particular coin or aren’t sure how best to clean it after research then don’t risk causing damage yourself – seek professional help instead from experienced preservationists who will know exactly how best approach maintenance based on its value & condition.
15. Enjoy Your Collection And Share It With Others!
Finally, enjoy your collection! Show off what you’ve found with others in the hobby through online forums etc., sharing knowledge with fellow enthusiasts helps everyone learn more about old money’s meaning within historical contexts that inspire new possibilities for future discoveries!