I am a student from Finland. I have always had some interest to coins, but it is almost impossible for me to make decisions, so it never got started. But recently I saw this numis album at the bookshop and bought it and put my coins left from my interrail in there. I also put my grandmothers coins, that she normally keeps in an old cigar box (a work of art in itself).
I am a tad worried about PVC, I have seen what it has done to a commemorative 10 markkaa coin that was kept in the plastic thing it was bought in from 1960s and it has left this dark 'burn' mark on it. But before I get a proper system, this is what I use. Hope it is better than the old box.
So, I would like to know about cleaning. Some of the coins have grease stains and fingerprints. I try to avoid touching them, I need to buy a pair of cotton gloves. But is there a 'home remedy' that can be used to make them survive better? I have some silver coins from Finland's Russian period and so.
Then two interesting finds my father made long time ago. Both have been underground for long time and EXTREMELY worn out.
The other can, with magnifying glass and time and some imagination and catalogue comparing, deduced to be a 1767 5 kopeka coin. The coat of arms and the monogram of Catharina II can be made out, the wreath on the other side and couple numbers of the date. Would say it is between fair and poor. Sorry about no picture, I will try to attach one at some point. My question is, where do such coins stand in this community, so to speak and is it possible to include it in the collection?
Other is also an old 18th century coin, also underground find. It is even worse condition that the other one, it is just about possible to make out the word ör, and two arrows and a crown on the other side. Thus it would very likely be 2 ör coin from 17something. Same questions as above.
Also I really like the system where I can put my coins online that you have here. The grades are somewhat random atm, but I intend to make it better.
I hope to keep this new hobby going, the start is good.
Modern PVC coin holders are just fine. There was a problem many years ago with the older types. Collectors complained that they were too stiff and could scratch the coins so the manufacturers added a plasticising agent which unfortunately reacted with the metal to produce a milky residue. This can be removed with acetone, the pure stuff from hardware stores, not your girlfriends nail polish remover!
I live in Tampa, Florida which because of the large Cuban community in Ybor is known as "Cigar City" so there are thousands of beautiful old cigar boxes for sale for a $ or two. These are great for keeping non-album coins in.
Acetone will also remove grease and any other oily contaminants without affecting the surface, even fresh fingerprints but I'm afraid older fingerprints are permanently etched into the surface. Any attempt to remove them will do more harm than good. It's really only an issue on modern coins, vintage coins such as yours will already have acquired a suitable patina. This natural ageing is highly prized by collectors so oplease don't be tempted to remove it.
Worn coins are perfectly acceptable, a significant number of the collectors here prefer them that way, including myself. What is interesting about yet another MS69 ASE in a plastic case compared to a real coin, which was intended to be used, passed from hand to hand and the wear is just a part of it's story.
As I once said elsewhere, it's like having a choice between dinner with a 50 year old ex-hooker or an 18 year old model - which would have the most interesting conversation?
If you need any help with grading or have other questions feel free to post pictures, it's really not hard once you get a feel for it.
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
Make Numismatics Great Again!
Cita: VRJohI am a student from Finland. I have always had some interest to coins, but it is almost impossible for me to make decisions, so it never got started. But recently I saw this numis album at the bookshop and bought it and put my coins left from my interrail in there. I also put my grandmothers coins, that she normally keeps in an old cigar box (a work of art in itself).
Welcome! Coin albums are a great way to get started with the hobby of coin collecting, especially with so many options. Oddly enough I keep some of my coins in a cigar box as well.
Cita: VRJohI am a tad worried about PVC, i have seen what it has done to a commemorative 10 markkaa coin that was kept in the plastic thing it was bought in from 1960s and it has left this dark 'burn' mark on it. But before I get a proper system, this is what I use. Hope it is better than the old box.
I'd say the wood is safer than PVC but it should be fine for temporary storage.
Cita: VRJohSo, I would like to know about cleaning. Some of the coins have grease stains and fingerprints. I try to avoid touching them, I need to buy a pair of cotton gloves. But is there a 'home remedy' that can be used to make them survive better? I have some silver coins from Finland's Russian period and so.
Cita: VRJohThen two interesting finds my father made long time ago. Both have been undergroun for long time and EXTREMELY worn out.
The other can, with magnifying glass and time and some imagination and catalogue comparing, deduced to be a 1767 5 kopeka coin. The coat of arms and the monogram of Catharina II can be made out, the wreath on the other side and couple numbers of the date. Would say it is between fair and poor. Sorry about no picture, i will try to attach one at some point. My question is, where do such coins stand in this community, so to speak and is it possible to include it in the collection?
You can go to the link here: https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces8257.html and enter a "1" by the correct date and under the correct condition. The Numista rarity index at the bottom of the page will show you how rare it is.
Cita: VRJohOther is also an old 18th century coin, also underground find. It is even worse condition that the other one, it is just about possible to make out the word ör, and two arrows and a crown on the other side. Thus it would very likely be 2 ör coin from 17something. Same questions as above.
Hmmmm, perhaps a picture?
Cita: VRJohAlso I really like the system where I can put my coins online that you have here. The grades are somewhat random atm, but I intend to make it better.
I hope to keep this new hobby going, the start is good.
I agree there should be more grades but this is still an amazing site. Again welcome to the site and the coin collecting world!
Indeed welcome aboard. I can say pnightingale has already filled you in but if you need any help on setting yourself up further on Numista, let me know.
