Should coins be cleaned with baking soda, olive oil, silver or copper polish, or even cola? You want to provide the best care for your coins so they can last for centuries. In this article, we explain the best way to handle and maintain your coins.

Why do coins become dull or black?

Coins can discolor due to a reaction between silver and air, known as oxidation. If coins haven’t been cleaned for a long time, they may become dull or blackened. This tarnished appearance isn’t permanent and can be removed even years later. However, removing the black layer requires careful handling, as mistakes cannot be undone.
Precious metals are highly sensitive to light, temperature, and humidity. To prevent damage and discoloration, it’s best to store coins in a dark, dry place.
Opinions on discolored coins vary among collectors. Some believe light discoloration adds character to the coins, while others prefer them cleaned to preserve their natural shine and color.

How do silver and gold coins get damaged?

The most common cause of coin damage is improper handling. Placing coins unprotected on tables can cause scratches. To avoid this, use a soft cloth or felt surface underneath.
Touching the coin anywhere other than its edges can cause damage due to the oils and acids in your skin. To prevent this, use white cotton gloves when handling your coins. Alternatively, store coins in special holders, such as coin capsules, for maximum protection.

Why shouldn’t you clean coins?

It’s strongly discouraged to clean coins with cleaning agents or polishing techniques. Scrubbing with hard brushes or using harsh cleaning products can create scratches. Even tissues or paper towels are inadvisable, as they contain small wood fibers that can damage gold.
The advice you may find online about cleaning coins with cola is also something to avoid. While it may seem logical that a fizzy liquid could restore shine, the aggressive nature of cola will only damage the coin further.

How should coins be stored?

Gold and silver coins can damage each other if stored together, and the metals may transfer residue. To prevent this, fill half-empty storage tubes with soft packaging material to keep the coins in place.
To avoid dust or fingerprints on your coins, use coin sleeves or capsules. Additionally, handle coins exclusively with cotton gloves.

What are coin capsules?

Coins are valuable assets and should be treated with care. Protecting them from damage is crucial. A great solution is the quadrum capsule, which is made of crystal-clear, non-discoloring acrylic. These capsules protect coins from moisture, dirt, and scratches.
Coin capsules are available in various sizes to fit specific coins perfectly. For instance, there are specialized capsules for the Dutch gouden tientje, the Maple Leaf, and the Philharmoniker. With a suitable capsule for every coin, you can ensure optimal protection for your precious metals.
Proper care for your coins is as important as selecting the right gold coins or silver coins for your collection. You want to preserve your coins in excellent condition for future generations. Looking to expand your collection? Take a look at our silver or gold coin pages. Here, you’ll find an organized overview of all our coins, complete with search filters for easy browsing.

Disclaimer: The Silver Mountain does not provide investment advice and this article should not be considered as such. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.