If you are just starting to build a rare coin collection, it is vital that you learn how to handle your coins. Handling your coins incorrectly can damage your coins and reduce their value. Here are a few you need to be mindful of in order to avoid accidentally damaging your coins. 

#1 Always Wear Gloves

You should never touch a rare coin with your bare hands. Your hands have oils as well as microscopic grime on them that will transfer onto the coin when you touch it with your bare hands. This can cause discoloration on your coin over the long-term, and it can also result in microscopic scratches to your coin.

Whenever you handle a rare coin, you should make sure that you have on either latex or cotton gloves. Both of these types of gloves should cause minimal to little damage to your coins. Furthermore, when you pick up your rare coins, even with gloves on, you should only hold them by the edge. You should hold them by the edge because, even with gloves on, there is still a chance that oils and microscopic debris could get transferred to the coin. Holding them by the edge reduces the chance of this happening. There is also less surface area on the edge of the coin that could be damaged by any potential microscopic debris or oils on your gloves than there is on the face of the coin.

#2 Keep Your Mouth Closed When Handling Your Coins

When you have your coins out and are handling them, keep your mouth closed! Wait until your coins are securely back in their holders before you discuss or talk about your coins.

It is common for little bits of saliva to escape from your mouth when you talk. Usually, this is not a big deal. However, when saliva comes in contact with your coins, it can cause both discoloration and spotting that you may not be able to get rid of. So keep your thoughts to yourself until your coins are safe to minimize the chance that your coins come in contact with even the smallest amount of saliva. 

#3 Avoid Using Chemicals On Your Coins

Finally, you should not use household cleaners on your coins, even if they are oxidized or seem discolored. Using chemical cleaners and polishers on your coins will not only get rid of the oxidization and toning on your coin, it could also take away any luster that your coin has. Additionally, chemical cleaners and polishers can also cause microscopic scratches and damage to your coin.

You don't want to risk damaging and devaluing your coin by cleaning it with household cleaners. It is best to leave your coins as you found it. Cleaning coins eliminates what professional coin collectors refer to as toning. Toning is the discoloration on your coin. Most coin collectors consider toning a good thing. If you feel that your clean must be cleaned, take it to a professional coin cleaner in order to minimize the chance of damage during the cleaning process. 

As a new coin collector, it is vital that you learn how to minimize damage to your coins by learning proper handling techniques. This will ensure that your coins stay in the best condition as possible. For more information, contact someone like Dr. Richard S. Appel.