Storage of Bullion Coins

Store Bullion CoinStorage of coins are another aspect of protecting your coin portfolio, again it depends on the status of the coin as simply a bullion or collectible value, most many modern mints today offered coins in plastic wraps (with the occasional hard plastic containers) that serves as an excellent protection while being able to display the coins pleasingly. However one should take note that certain methods of storing normal coins cannot be applied to the higher valued bullion coins:

  1. Boxes, jars and containers: NEVER use this in any instances or only use it coins that have no collectible value, as any amount of precious coins stored under this condition, with all the bumps, collisions, and rubbings would soon render your collection worthless!!!
  2. Coin albums and flips:Great for displaying and storing the normal bullion coins but not for collectibles as they are not air tight, the coins might be susceptible to moisture damage and contaminants after longer periods. Do not use anything flips that is made of PVC as PVC reacts when in contact with heat and light, the resulting chemical reaction releases hydrochloric acid that will slowly corrode the coin (gasps!!!).
  3. Paper envelopes: Made of non acidic paper, this is also suitable only for temporary storages as the coins are susceptible to mechanical damages and exposed to the elements.

Some of the more suitable options in storing bullion coins include:
  1. 2x2 cardboard containers lined with Mylar plastics: the coin can be placed on the Mylar and the container can be fold over to enclose the coin and snapped shut. This provides a high level of protection at an affordable price for the majority of your coin collection. The cardboard containers can also be placed into plastic sheets that can hold about 20 coins (4 across by 5 down) and file into a 3-ring binder for display purposes. The cardboard containers should be replaced every 6 months.
  2. Air-Tites: This are round hard plastic containers made of acrylic, highly durable and scratch proof, it comes in various sizes that encapsulate the coin and can be snapped together to give an air tight fit, a black foam is often provided to suit different size of coins. I like this one as it allows me to play around with the coins without touching them. (Watch video below for some beautiful gold coin collection in Air Tites, includes the Australian Nuggets, The Chinese Gold Panda etc.)

    Video Source: User SW640 , New York, United States
  3. Coin Slab: Provides maximum protection for the most valuable of your coin collection as they are hermetically sealed hard plastic holders in which individual coins are encased. This however does not come cheap so only reserve it for the most valuable of your collection.