A coin's surface is easy to damage during an ordinary inspection. Prepare a clear working area before opening packaging, and avoid placing loose coins where they can slide against each other.
Handle the edges
The U.S. Mint recommends careful handling and suitable protective storage. Hold a coin by its edges and avoid touching the faces. Use clean hands or appropriate clean gloves, and work over a soft surface so an accidental drop is less likely to damage it.
Leave a certified coin in its holder. Opening the slab removes the protection of that holder and complicates the relationship between the coin and its certification label.
Keep useful packaging and records
Choose holders intended for coin storage and sized for the piece. Avoid loose storage that lets coins rub together. Keep the manufacturer's packaging if it forms part of a collectible set, along with its documentation.
Maintain a private inventory with descriptions and purchase records. Store a backup separately so that you can identify items without repeatedly handling them. Check any insurance terms yourself; a household policy may have limits or conditions for coins and precious metals.
Do not polish a coin to make it look newer. Cleaning can reduce collector value and leave visible surface damage. If a coin needs examination or conservation, ask a qualified specialist before attempting a treatment at home.
