Coin and Paper Money Collecting/copper coins

Advertisement


Question
Hi, can you please tell me if copper coins change tone and get ruined easily. I need to know this because if I buy early lincoln cents I don't want them to change tone or get ruined in any type of way after a couple of years.
Thank you.

Answer
Emil,

The short answer is yes.

Exposure to the air, handling with your fingers, even an uneven mix of the metal of the coin, can cause changes in color or spotting.

Best thing is to buy them in certified holders from PCGS or NGC.

Alternatively, if you buy uncertified coins of any value, you should buy air-tite holders for them.

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.