Q&A for How to Store Silver Coins

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How do I store my silver coins without them tarnishing?

Spencer Kotrosa

Community Answer

Tarnishing is similar to iron getting rust. When iron gets wet/exposed to air, it will rust with a green and brown corrosion. Tarnish is when silver "rusts" and leaves your silverware/plates/coins with a ugly brown and black off color, easily removed with silver cleaner and baking soda. First I polish the coins with a soft microfiber cloth and wipe them down to a mirror shine, then place them in a small labeled plastic bag. I have a bunch of mercury dimes that I do this with, and they show well. Cleaning can erode the value, so be very careful.

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Question

Should I try and clean my silver coins with baking soda? I also have 45 1943 steel pennies that were buried for years, and they are quite dirty.

Donagan

Top Answerer

It depends on the condition of the silver coins. If they're near mint condition, don't clean them at all. Scrubbing with baking soda (and even silver cleaning compound) will mar the finish. If the condition is not near-mint, just use soap, water and a soft cloth. As for the steelies, try soaking them a long time in diluted lemon juice and then scrubbing. You won't hurt them.

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Question

What's the best humidity for coins?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The lower the better. 0% is best, though not always achievable.

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Question

Do freezer bags contain plastic with PVC?

Community Answer

There are several different brands of freezer bags on the market. You'd have to check with the manufacturer to be sure.

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Question

What is a temporary way to store coins until my airtight container arrives?

Spencer Kotrosa

Community Answer

If you don't have a plastic bag, there are really no good ways to store a coin. Also, It really depends on what coins you are wanting to store. Silver will tarnish when exposed to air, but gold will not. Just use a good plastic bag, or put them in a box.

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