Whenever possible avoid handling your coins. The condition of collectible coins impacts the value: dirty, scratched, moisture-damaged or otherwise imperfect coins can result from too much handling. If you simply have to handle your collectible coins, only touch the outer edges of the coin to minimize contact with your hands.

It is not recommended that you clean your coins, but if you do, you should be sure to entrust the process to a specialist. In fact, the patina developed on a coin over time may actually be a desirable quality to collectors and a cleaned coin could actually decrease it's potential value.

Even though most holders offer plenty of safeguards against fingerprints and dust, you want to be sure that your really rare mint sets are protected from moisture as well. Although the usual stapled or taped packets don’t provide optimum protection, there are other containers out there that also block moisture. Protecting your collectible coins from water damage is paramount; choose a dry, controlled-temperature space, never a damp basement or cellar.