They may seem tough, but your fingers contain oils and tiny particles that chemically react with metal surfaces. A fast touch can cause insidious, silent harm you won't notice until the patina darkens or corrosion sets in. Wear gloves to avoid permanent damage.
Why use toothpaste on a 1921 Morgan Dollar when you wouldn't scrub a museum relic with steel wool? Harsh cleaning destroys creativity. Every rub erases detail and market appeal. Micro-scratches make collectors cringe, lowering value.
Clear and inexpensive things are convenient. Slow-motion PVC flips steal value. They degrade and leak corrosive chemicals onto metal. That green goo is irreparable. Keep your coins out of poison. Buy extra storage.
All jingles are risky. Coins grind together in jars, drawers, and other places. Scratches ruin surfaces and dull features. The innocent sounds are eroding value. Coins aren't just metal, and harm builds up.
One tumble suffices. Slip and strike hard ground. If it makes your stomach drop, you know what happened. One bounce against tile or concrete could inflict dents, scrapes, or worse. Collectors notice every defect, so choose soft surfaces.
Like rust with a grudge, moisture and heat steadily erode your coin. Garages and basements are toxic combat zones for coinage, despite appearances. Controlled surroundings avoid disaster. Rust destroys everything without permission.
Home remedies like vinegar and baking soda don't work. In reality, they're damaging acids and abrasives. Instead of restoring beauty, you're stripping it. Soft cleaning might remove fine detail. Cleaning may be too late for financial recovery.