Coin collecting is, and has been, a fascinating and complex hobby for generations. For some, it’s become an entire career requiring years of dedication and knowledge. While some enjoy it as a trending hobby with the passing of time, coin enthusiasts throughout the world have remained passionate about their collections, passing both their passion and collections down to new generations of numismatists.
To preserve these rare and valuable collections, proper storage is one of the most important factors to preserving your collection for years to come.
The History of Coin Collecting
It’s unclear where the very first coins were created, but archeologists have recorded some of the oldest coins dating back to as early as 650 BC. That means that for over 2500 years, humans have produced, used, and collected coins. Some of the earliest practices of coin collecting date back to the 14th century, when it was then known as the “hobby of kings” due to the wealth one would need to acquire such a collection. By the 17th century, coin studying, or numismatics, became an academic area of study. In this new field, collectors began analyzing the manufacturing and history of varying stages of mints. It was around this time that coin enthusiasts began taking a systematic approach to the maintenance, care, and storage of their valuable collections.
Today, both collections and collectors come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. The hobby is more accessible than ever, and unites people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, often serving as a window into history or learning about other civilizations and societies.
Organization Basics
The best way to organize your coins largely depends on the type of collector you are and the size of your collection. If you're a beginner, or just getting started with coin collecting, it might be helpful to think of yourself as a kid in a candy store—you’ll want to try everything. But it's important to make sure you don't overspend or purchase collections before you understand the importance of buying.
To start out, it's easiest to keep things simple by grouping coins by denomination: quarters, dimes, nickels, etc. Next, sort them by mint mark (if there are any). Finally, put those groups into envelopes according to type: Jefferson nickels in one envelope, State quarters in another. This will make finding what you need much easier.
Once your collection has grown, or if you already have an established collection, determine what grouping systems work best for you. Then, it might be time for some serious storage solutions.
Displaying and Storing Your Collection
There are a few things that you will want to do to help preserve your coins no matter the size of your collection. Your coins should always be stored in a cool, dry place. If you’re planning on displaying your collection, it’s important to provide some kind of protection like a sleeve or case to help protect from harmful oils and harsh elements.
Helpful Storage & Organization Products
When you're looking for ways to display your collection or simply want to keep track of where it's kept, having proper organization tools on hand can help secure and organize your coins. At Infinity Coins, our coin cases and boxes are ideal for storing your coins in an organized manner, as our coin sleeves help protect the surfaces from scratches and harmful elements.
Here are a few of our products that will help keep your collection protected, organized, and preserved in mint condition:
- Coin books - coin books offer a sturdy and durable method of storing coin sets that can easily be displayed or stored on a bookshelf. Books are made specifically for the set you are collecting, and they will be custom designed with slots specifically allocated for each coin, and contain historical information and interesting facts about the particular coin set.
- Plastic coin cases - plastic coin cases are typically made to hold individual coins. Many options come with a foam ring insert to protect the coin and secure it in place. The cases’ two clear plastic sides fit around the coin and lock into place, keeping your coins safe, secure, and protected from the elements.
- Plastic coin tubes - coin tubes are crafted for storing several of the same type of coins together. Similar to plastic cases, tubes will protect coins from harmful elements, but allow for the storage of more than one coin at a time.
- Cardboard coin holders - cardboard coin holders are typically designed to hold just one or two coins at a time, and provide great uniformity when it comes to size. Typically 2” x 2”, the cardboard has a circular hole cut out with a plastic cover for visibility and protection. Once inserted, the cardboard can be folded in half, secured shut, and put on display or easily stored in a binder on a bookshelf. Cardboard coin holders also have the added benefit that you can write on the cardboard to label your collection.
- Coin display boxes - display boxes add elegance to your collection, and are designed to store and display coins that have typically already been placed in a plastic coin case.
- Coin and currency storage boxes - coin and currency storage boxes are designed to store several rolls or tubes of coins, keeping your collection in one safe, organized, box.
- Storage bags - Storage bags are a convenient first option for beginners as they will easily protect several coins at a time from the elements. They come in a variety of sizes, and easily organize loose coins that you’re not quite sure what to do with yet, or the initial sorting phases of establishing a collection.
Infinity Coins helps make coin collecting easy. Whether your collection consists of affordable pre-graded coins, hobby grade coins, or a rare uncirculated mint set, we have everything you need to help organize and protect your investment. With a large variety of product choices available, you can rest assured knowing that there’s a perfect solution for all of your coin needs.