1st rule of coin care is to NEVER clean your coins. Never dip a silver coin, Never dip a gold coin. Dipping removes the patina and reduces the value of the coin. Cleaned or dipped coins can't be graded correctly and therefore most authorities won't grade a coin if it has been cleaned or dipped.

Second rule of coin care is the same as the first, don't clean your coins. After that common sense takes over, keep your coins in a cool dry atmosphere.Moisture is the enemy and causes coins to corrode and allows the impurities in coins to show through. I keep each of my coins in a non-PVC flip or air tight capsule. This helps keep them dry and prevents damage from other coins hitting them. PVC can damage a coin's surfaces over time and certainly is not recommended. If you find a coin or you purchase a coin that obviously has a large amount of dirt or mud embedded, you can wash the coin with hot water. Do not scrub or rub the coin. After washing the coin, pat dry and leave the coin sitting in the open air on a paper towel for at least 4 hours. You will need to make sure that the coin is 100% dry before encapsulating it.

There are several products available to clean and even age coins. None of these products are recommended, and using any of the products I've seen
will cause damage to your coins.

It's very easy to get caught up in cleaning your coins, especially the silver and gold ones. Believe me, you do not want to do this. Three to six months after cleaning a coin you will see why. The coins will be discolored and streaked with brown splotches. Not to mention the fact that cleaning a coin actually removes a layer of the coin, in this case gold or silver.

You should consider keeping your coins out of view of visitors, even your friends as they may have their own set friends with a lower set of values. I keep my entire collection in three separate heavy duty safes that are behind locked doors in my house. Each safe weighs in at over 175lbs. A thief
may get away with one but certainly not all three. If you don't have the money for a safe and can't afford to keep your coins in a safe deposit box, you may want to consider adding a keyed door knob to a closet in your home. This is how I started out. Adding a lock gives you a bit more confidence that your collection is a little safer.

If you are collecting bullion coins or proof coins it's very important not to touch the coins with your skin as the oils from our fingers and hands
will leave an ever lasting impression. The oils will actually help the coin to start corroding. I have seen several coins that have thumb prints
on them from 70 - 100 years ago. Be careful and only touch the edge your coins. A pair of cotton gloves is a great way to prevent mishaps and keep
your coins finger print free.