How to Store and Handle Coins and Slabs

November 13, 2026

Quick answer: Hold raw coins only by the edges, over a soft surface, and never clean them. Store them in inert holders, away from PVC and damp air. Keep certified slabs upright in a dry place, keep a record of every cert number, and remember that bank safe deposit boxes are not insured by the FDIC.

How should you hold a coin?

Skin carries oils and moisture. A fingerprint on a coin’s face can etch into the surface over time and leave a permanent mark. The American Numismatic Association’s advice for raw (unholdered) coins is simple: hold them only by the edges.

Work over a soft surface, such as a folded towel or a padded mat, so a dropped coin lands safely.
Pinch the coin by the rim between thumb and forefinger. Never touch the front or back.
Put the coin back in its holder as soon as you are done looking.

Should you wear gloves?

Collectors disagree. Gloves keep skin oils off the coin, and many people use them. Critics point out that cotton gloves can shed fibers, hold moisture and make a coin easier to drop. Others prefer snug, powder-free nitrile gloves for better grip.

The practical answer: gloves are a good idea for raw coins, especially proofs, but they never replace careful edge handling. A certified coin in a sealed slab can be handled with clean, dry hands.

Should you clean your coins?

No. The ANA’s answer to that question is a flat no. Cleaning usually lowers a coin’s value. Even wiping with a soft cloth can leave fine hairline scratches. If a coin has a real problem, ask a professional conservation service instead of trying a home fix.

What is PVC damage?

Many older soft plastic flips and pages are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). To keep PVC soft, makers add plasticizers, and those chemicals can migrate onto a coin. According to NGC, the damage starts as a light haze. As it advances it turns into a thick, green, oily film that can eat into the surface. That etching cannot be undone.

Signs to watch for are a greasy or cloudy film, green spots, or soft holders that feel sticky. If you see them, move the coins into safe holders and get advice before trying to remove residue yourself.

What should you store coins in?

Choose holders made from inert, chemically stable plastics. A conservator quoted by PCGS recommends Mylar, polyethylene or polypropylene, and rules out PVC. NGC describes rigid, non-PVC “hard” flips as fine for short-term storage.

Holder	Good for	Watch out for
Certified slab (NGC, PCGS)	Valuable coins; sealed, labeled and verifiable by cert number	Scratched plastic; slabs still react to damp air
Hard plastic capsule	Raw proofs and modern bullion	Cheap capsules of unknown plastic
Non-PVC (“hard”) flip	Short-term storage and shipping	Long-term use; flips are not sealed
Soft vinyl flip or page	Nothing; avoid	PVC residue that can etch surfaces
Paper envelopes, cardboard holders	Only if acid-free and sulfur-free	Older paper can tone or stain coins

How much does humidity matter?

A lot. Moisture drives spotting, toning and corrosion. In a PCGS article, conservator Susan Maltby says vulnerable metal coins can start to corrode once relative humidity rises above 35 percent.

Store coins in an interior room, not an attic, basement, garage or outside wall.
Avoid big temperature swings, which can cause condensation.
Add silica gel packs to boxes or safes, and replace or recharge them on schedule.
A small hygrometer inside your safe or cabinet tells you when conditions change.

How should you store slabs vs raw coins?

Slabs. Grading-service holders protect coins from handling and many hazards, but grading services caution that a slab does not guarantee a coin’s permanent safety. Store slabs upright in purpose-made slab boxes so they do not rub and scratch. Keep them in the same dry, stable conditions you would use for raw coins. Read more about holder and label types in our coin label guide and NGC vs PCGS.

Raw coins. Give each coin its own inert holder, never loose in a jar or bag where coins rub together.

What records and insurance do you need?

Keep an inventory in at least two places. For each coin, note the date, mint, grade, grading service, cert number, what you paid and when. Add clear photos of both sides. For certified coins, the cert number lets you look the coin up in NGC’s or PCGS’s online database.

Check your homeowners or renters policy. Most include special, lower limits for categories such as jewelry and collectibles. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners lists coins among items that can be covered for more through a scheduled personal property endorsement, sometimes called a floater. Listed items usually need a professional appraisal first.

Is a safe deposit box safe for coins?

A bank vault adds a layer of security, but the FDIC is clear that the contents of a safe deposit box are not insured by the FDIC. It also warns not to expect the bank to reimburse theft or damage, though some banks offer limited coverage in the rental contract. Read that contract, and ask your insurance agent whether your homeowners or renters policy covers items kept in a box.

If you have questions about caring for certified coins, the team at Affinity Collectibles, an NGC Authorized Dealer and ANA member, is happy to help through our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need gloves to handle slabbed coins?

No. The coin is sealed inside. Clean, dry hands are fine. Gloves matter most for raw coins, especially proofs.

Can PVC damage be removed?

Early residue can sometimes be removed by a professional conservator. Once PVC has etched the surface, that damage is permanent.

Are coins in a safe deposit box insured?

Not by the FDIC. Coverage, if any, comes from your own insurance policy or the terms of your rental agreement with the bank.

What humidity is best for coins?

Dry and stable. A conservator quoted by PCGS links corrosion risk to relative humidity above 35 percent, so silica gel and a hygrometer are worth having.