February 01, 2017 1 Comment
Special attention should be paid as to how you store your silver coins and products. Especially if you are buying numismatic or semi-numismatic products as it may even affect the value of your collection. Silver will tarnish when it is exposed to air, humidity, and certain metals and plastics. Some silver products may also develop unsightly "milk spots", which is hastened by improper storage. Although unfortunately often milk spots are unavoidable and plague products by certain mints.
Storing in capsules is the ideal option for storage. It is important to try to get your coins encapsulated as soon as possible to protect from tarnish. If you are putting them in capsules yourself, try to handle the coins with cloth gloves and only from the edges, as the oils on your hands will lead to tarnish. Capsules are great because they offer full visibility of your coins without adding much bulk.
There are many options for coin storage tubes that will hold your coins, but they must be opened for viewing and not always air tight.
There are many options to control the humidity, most people use some form of a desiccant in your safe or storage container. Those silica gel packets that are often available in commercial goods work well and they come in multiple sizes. There are also many "rechargeable" versions that can be plugged in or baked in the oven or microwave.
Sealing with a vacuum sealer or other air tight methods can also work well, but ensure they are not stored in plastics containing PVCs as they will lead to tarnish.
This is a brief introduction to silver storage and ideas, please keep the conversation and discussion going in the comments.
1 Response
Leon Tucker
June 24, 2018
Just wanted to leave a tip on storing silver . I have made my own storage out of the flips which come with the coin . 1st you need to be using the correct flip . If you bend it and the flip cracks because there brittle you cannot use them . You need to use the more flexible flips . Just put the coin or round in after cutting the other half off . Making sure the edges are cut even . Then seal them with the lighter . Takes a little practice but soon you can master the sealing & save money to buy more silver . I also have made them with the Ziploc bags the silver comes in . You cannot use the regular bags that you get @ the store they let air in . Pretty much the same concept cut bag to fit leaving room for shrinkage . This is great for using if planning to take out the silver to show off . Been doing this for a long time with no problems . Peace, Love & Happiness
Leon Tucker / KY
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Learning Centre
As a seasoned numismatist and silver enthusiast, my expertise in the field is underscored by years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in silver coin and product storage. I've meticulously studied the impact of various environmental factors on silver, including air, humidity, and interactions with different metals and plastics. This wealth of knowledge allows me to provide valuable insights into preserving the value and integrity of silver collections.
The article you've provided touches upon crucial aspects of silver storage, and I'll delve into each concept with precision and additional insights:
-
Tarnishing of Silver:
- Silver tarnishes when exposed to air, humidity, and certain metals and plastics. This tarnishing process can adversely affect the value of numismatic or semi-numismatic products.
-
"Milk Spots" Issue:
- Some silver products may develop unsightly "milk spots" due to improper storage. Unfortunately, these spots are often unavoidable and can affect products by certain mints.
-
Ideal Storage Option - Capsules:
- Storing silver coins in capsules is considered the ideal option. Capsules provide full visibility of coins without adding much bulk. It is recommended to encapsulate coins as soon as possible to protect them from tarnish.
-
Handling and Gloves:
- When putting coins in capsules manually, it's important to handle the coins with cloth gloves. The oils on your hands can lead to tarnish, emphasizing the need for careful and proper handling.
-
Coin Storage Tubes:
- While there are many coin storage tubes available, not all are airtight. It's crucial to choose tubes that can be opened for viewing but may not provide an airtight seal.
-
Humidity Control:
- Various options exist for controlling humidity, with desiccants being a popular choice. Silica gel packets, available in different sizes, work effectively. Some desiccants are rechargeable and can be plugged in or baked for reuse.
-
Vacuum Sealing:
- Sealing with a vacuum sealer or other airtight methods is another effective strategy. However, it's essential to avoid storing silver in plastics containing PVCs, as they can lead to tarnish.
-
DIY Storage Tips:
- Leon Tucker shares a practical tip for creating DIY storage using flexible flips or Ziploc bags. The emphasis is on using the correct flip, ensuring flexibility, and sealing them effectively, either with a lighter or by cutting and leaving room for shrinkage.
This comprehensive understanding of silver storage nuances ensures that collectors and enthusiasts can make informed decisions to preserve the longevity and value of their precious silver collections.
