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Posted on: 22 October 2015

Buying and selling gold is both a great hobby and a financial investment. You can buy and sell various pieces of gold, such as gold coins. However, if you are new to the scene, you need to know how to handle your gold coin collection so that it retains its numismatic value. Fortunately, there are a few tips to help you out along the way.

Use Protective Coverings

When you are not physically handling your gold coins, you should store them in protective cases, sleeves, or capsules. Gold is a highly malleable material, meaning it is prone to damage such as dents and dings. Make sure you handle your gold coins as little as possible to avoid damaging them.

If you do need to handle your coins physically, such as to clean them, make sure you wear gloves or fingertip covers. Leaving fingerprints on your gold coins can reduce their value. If you properly care for your gold coins, you will find it easier to sell them on the market.

Keep in mind that gold coins are likely old. Many original coins were made of either copper, silver, or gold. Many original gold coins were available in the following denominations: $10, $5, and $2.50. Should you happen to have any of these coins, make sure you take proper care of them.

Use a Soft, Low Surface

If you must remove your coins from their protective casings, make sure you remain close to the floor. Dropping the coins can cause damage to them. Therefore, the lower the coins have to fall should you drop one, the better the results.

Make sure you only handle your coins on a soft surface, such as on a soft blanket. Laying the coins out on a hard surface makes them prone to damages, such as scratches. Scratched coins lose their value, thereby making them difficult to sell for a higher price.

Gold coin buyers base the value of the coins on more than the material they are made of and the year the coin was made. Gold coin buyers will also determine the conditions of the coin. Coins with little to no damage are worth far more than those with damage.

Gold coin buyers tend to inspect coins under a microscope. If the coin is free of microscopic damage, you are in luck. Such a coin tends to be worth a lot. Therefore, you should protect your investment by ensuring proper handling of each piece.

Practice Proper Cleanliness

There is a specific way you can clean your coins to help reduce damage. However, proper cleanliness goes beyond coin cleaning. You must also ensure that your hands are clean and sanitized. Your body secretes oils. Should these oils transfer from your hands to your coins, you can reduce their value.

Make sure you wash your hands and sanitize them using a sanitized gel. Allow your hands to dry completely before you handle your coin collection. It is better if you avoid cleaning the coins altogether. Cleaning your coins is risky because damaging your coins is always a possibility.

However, if you feel that you must clean your coins, use a plastic container and fill it with warm water and a mild soap. Lay the coins in the soapy water and allow them to soak. Do not shake the container or swirl the coins in the water.

Once they have had a chance to soak, remove them from the water and lay them on a soft, dry towel to allow the coins to air dry. You can also make a cleaning paste out of baking soda and warm water. Using a soft cloth, wipe the paste-like mixture onto the coin. Wipe it off thoroughly, yet gently to ensure cleanliness.

If you take proper care of your gold coins, you will end up having a nice investment on your hands. Make sure you talk to a professional about your gold coin collection. If you are interested in selling your collection or simply finding out its value, have a professional inspect the coins for you. The professional can determine what your collection is worth and even help you find a trustworthy buyer.

If you're new to the world of buying and selling gold, check out this website and other similar site.