How to Handle and Store Antique Coins and Medals
Coins and medals are compact but highly vulnerable to fingerprints, abrasion and inappropriate cleaning. Original surfaces and patina often carry more historical and commercial value than brightness.
Handle only by the edges
Work over a clean padded surface. Wear clean, well-fitting gloves appropriate to the metal; the [Canadian Conservation Institute](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-coins-medals-medallic-art.html) specifically advises edge handling and protection from skin oils. Avoid dropping one coin onto another.
Do not clean casually
Never use metal polish, abrasive erasers, wire brushes, vinegar, acids or electrolysis on a collectible coin. Cleaning can remove patina, fine detail and microscopic evidence and may sharply reduce value.
Loose dust on a stable object can be removed by a specialist, but corrosion and encrustation need identification first.
Use suitable holders
Choose inert, uncoated archival holders that support the object without adhesive or pressure. Avoid soft PVC flips, ordinary paper envelopes, foam rubber and unknown plastics. Staples can scratch nearby pieces; fold or cover them safely if a system uses stapled card holders.
Separate metals and objects
Give each coin or medal its own compartment. Do not allow ribbons, leather cases or acidic inserts to contact metal unless the original assembly needs to remain intact and has been assessed.
Control moisture and pollutants
Store in a clean, dry, stable location away from leaks, basements, attics and fresh paint. Silver and copper alloys are sensitive to sulphur-containing materials. Iron coins need particularly dry conditions.
Preserve labels and provenance
Keep old tickets, envelopes and collection notes even when they are unsuitable for direct contact. Place them in separate archival sleeves and link them to the object by inventory number.
Record condition
Photograph obverse, reverse, edge, marks and packaging. Monitor new powder, colour change or surface lifting. Consult a coin specialist and metals conservator before treating valuable, archaeological or actively corroding pieces.
For practical restoration demonstrations and workshop stories, [watch and subscribe to Antique Repair Shop on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).
Sources and further reading
- [Canadian Conservation Institute: Basic care of coins, medals and medallic art](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care-coins-medals-medallic-art.html)
- [Canadian Conservation Institute: Storage of metals](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/storage-metals.html)