Jardines Galleries
Library → How to Store & Display Commemoratives
Conservation Guide
Protect your investment
Key Threats
Humidity, handling, light, PVC
Safe Materials
Mylar, polyethylene, polypropylene
Display Options
Capsules, albums, frames
Golden Rule
Never clean
How to Store and Display Commemoratives
Modern proof and color coins are delicate works of art. Proper storage preserves their beauty and value for generations.
Never
- Clean a coin
- Touch the surface
- Use PVC holders
- Store in sunlight
️ Understanding the Threats
Environmental
- Humidity (>50%) – toning, spotting, corrosion
- Temperature fluctuations – expansion/contraction
- Light – fading of color, toning acceleration
- Air pollutants – sulfur compounds tarnish silver
- PVC – green slime, irreversible damage
Physical
- Handling – fingerprints, oils, abrasions
- Contact – coins touching each other scratch
- Improper holders – chemical damage, scratches
- Cleaning – micro‑abrasions, loss of luster
Most damage is irreversible. Never clean a collectible coin.
Safe Materials
Recommended
- Mylar (polyester) – inert, transparent
- Polyethylene – soft flips
- Polypropylene – rigid album pages
- Polystyrene – hard capsules
- Archival paper – acid‑free, lignin‑free
Avoid
- PVC – decomposes into oily substance
- Paper envelopes – acid migration
- Cardboard with windows – acid, staples scratch
- Rubber bands – sulfur, deterioration
Storage Methods
Individual Coins
- Mylar flips (2×2) – inexpensive, archival, but limited protection from crushing
- Hard plastic capsules – maximum protection, airtight options, view both sides
Sets
- Original Mint packaging – often best, but monitor for toning
- Custom albums – Lighthouse, Abafil, etc.
- Binder pages – archival polypropylene
Long‑term environment
- Temperature: 65–70°F (18–21°C)
- Relative humidity: 40–45%
- Dark storage, minimal fluctuations
- Silica gel desiccants if needed
Handling Techniques
- Never touch the surface – hold by edges only
- Use cotton gloves for valuable coins
- Work over a soft surface (velvet pad, towel)
- Minimize handling – each touch increases risk
- If you must set it down, use a soft, clean surface
For color coins: never remove from original capsule; color layer is extremely fragile.
️ Display Options
- Encapsulated display – coins in NGC/PCGS slabs can be displayed safely
- Airtight display cases – custom cases with desiccant compartments
- Display trays – velvet‑lined, coins in capsules
- Wall display – UV‑protective glass, avoid direct sunlight
- Rotation strategy – display for limited periods, return to archival storage
Special Considerations for Color Coins
- UV light fades color – keep in dark
- Abrasion can remove color permanently
- Never clean with solvents
- Keep in original capsule
- Monitor periodically for changes
Sources
- PCGS. The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection (storage chapters).
- NGC. "How to Store Your Coins" series.
- American Numismatic Association. "Caring for Your Collection."
Revision History
22 Feb 2026 – Initial build