Try to handle your coins as little as possible. A coins' quality and value decline when scratched, dusty, damaged by moisture or when fingerprints are present. If circumstances require you to touch your collectibles, do so touching only the outsides, especially with very valuable or rare coins in good condition.

You should try to avoid cleaning your coins and if it has to be done, the process should be handled by a specialist. Rather than cleaning a coin, leaving its patina undisturbed might make it more desirable to collectors and more valuable.

Collections will most likely be fine under the safety of a store-bought holder; just make sure that it will keep your most valuable silver coins out of harm's way by locking out moisture as well as fingerprints and dust. While packets that are held by staples or tape don’t give the greatest protection, there are alternative bags available that can block moisture as well. If you are storing your collectible coins, select a space that is dry over any prone to dampness or humidity.