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. When it's absolutely necessary you should hold them on the edges.

You should try to avoid cleaning your coins and if it has to be done, the process should be handled by a specialist. Collectors might actually value the patina a coin has gradually developed, and consider a cleaned coin less desirable.

Collections will most likely be fine under the safety of a store-bought holder; just make sure that it will keep your most valuable small cents out of harm's way by locking out moisture as well as fingerprints and dust. There are other protectors in the market that can do a better job and guard against moisture than the typical stapled or taped packets, which don’t provide the maximum protection. Avoid any storage space that is damp and cool when selecting a storage area for your collectible coins.