Tip in coin collection

Tip in coin collection

I started collecting coins early at the age of 10. I was not really interested in coins then. But I was just being stirred by my brother who was already a serious coin collector. Like all kids, I was simply a copy cat in coin.

When I grew and traveled the world, I found that I always had some loose change when I left a country. I decided to collect coins and keep that hobby for over 30 years now. Throughout the years, I had learned some coins collection tips.

Coins cleaning

When I came across an old coin with heavy stain or rust like layer due to chemical reaction to the metal in my early collection time, I simply polish the coin with Braso. But I found a few very annoying things in doing so. First, it takes a long time to clean up a coin from hours to days depends on the nature of dirt.

Second, I could never clean a coin satisfactory. There will always be a good portion of the coin that can not be polished or cleaned. And with the number of coins I started to accumulate, I had a hard time trying to hand polish some rusted coins. I started to experiment coin cleaning with various chemicals and I struck out one excellent cleaning agent from my own washroom cleaning product.

The trade name in Thailand is Vixol and the active ingredients are Hydrochloric acid, Ethoxylated Nonylphenol, and Linear Alkylbrnzene Sulfuric acid. I would normally pour the liquid directly on the coin until it covers. The liquid will react only with the stain without harming the metal. Minutes later, it will clean the coin thoroughly. Rinse in clean water and wipe dry. You will now have a spotless clean coin.

Coin Storing

The next step is to keep the coin in this cleaned condition for as long as possible. To do so, we need to cover it with a coat of sealant. I use both floor sealant and lacquer for the purpose. But we need to apply with the transparent type and dull finish. Glossy finish will make the coin looks artificial suggesting a fake nature.

Invest in good storage coin books. This will prevent premature wear and tear and subsequent unnecessary damage to coins. Also categorize according to types such as country, year minted, metal content (Gold or silver or nickel) before arranging into the books. Always allow ample emptied spaces in between your arrangement so that you can insert some new coins in between category without having to rearrange the whole book.  

Coin verification

The old saying that, “If you keep looking at the Genuine long enough, you will be able to spot the fake one immediately” may not be all true in checking coin. Some fake coins are indeed hard to distinguish. But there is a simple rule of thump technique that works almost 100 % in detecting fake coin.

Lay the coin flat on a table preferably a glass top table and give it a hard spin. If the coin stops after a round of spin or less, it is genuine. Otherwise if it keeps on spinning for several rounds, there is almost certain that it is faked. If the cost is worth more than a US$ 1000, get a second or third opinion to check. If it costs is over US$ 10,000, I would play safe to have a laboratory verification.  

Having all said, I would like to add that I have just sold three coins I bought for 10 Bahts (US$ 0.30) in 1987 for 2560 Bahts (US$ 80) a piece recently. I also have coins worth over US$ 10,000 I am still reluctant to part with. So, I would say it is not bad as a reward for a hobby I enjoy.