We asked the collector and author of the book “Estonian Republic Coins and Currency Reform Medals,” Kaupo Laan, to review the SAFE Collecting Accessories catalog and compile a list of recommendations based on it for novice coin collectors. We provided him with the text and product links, which he reviewed and provided guidance on. It turns out that SAFE e-store offers a wide enough range of products to cater to collectors at every level, from beginners to advanced.
“In principle, it is possible to collect coins without any accessories by storing preferred coins in a drawer or an old jar. However, if your interest in coins is even slightly serious, it is worth investing in various collecting accessories.
From the moment coins are minted, various external factors start affecting their preservation. Coins rub against each other, causing scratches, dents, and contact marks of varying sizes. If coins are used in circulation, they wear down over time, and smaller details on the coins become blurred or disappear altogether. Additionally, the metal in the coins reacts with the air, leading to oxidation (rusting), causing the coins to become dull or change color.
Since the value of a coin is often linked to its condition (meaning the better the condition of the coin, the higher its value), a beginner collector’s first purchase should be an album to better protect the coin from further external influences. Additionally, coins in an album are easier to view and showcase to other enthusiasts, meaning they are better presented.
Which album should you choose? The most sensible option is to buy an album where additional pages can be added as desired or needed. For example, Compact A4 or Premium MAXI.
Which pages should you choose? For collecting cheaper or circulated coins (i.e., coins with signs of wear), it is most reasonable to choose pages with coin pockets. A word of caution: when placing coins in coin pockets, make sure part of the coin does not stick out of the pocket. The outer parts of the pages contain more PVC for greater plasticity, which is not beneficial for the long-term preservation of coins. Therefore, select pages with coin pockets of the correct size!
If you have more expensive (rarer and/or in mint condition) coins, it is better to choose pages designed for coin frames. In this case, each coin can be “packaged” in its own “container,” ensuring no direct contact between the coin and the page.
Which “containers” should you prefer for pages designed for coin frames? There are two options: coin frames or coin pockets. The cheaper option is coin frames (self-adhesive or with staples), and the more expensive option is coin pockets (Saflip).
Coin frames are generally intended for short-term storage (usually used by coin dealers, and it is convenient to write the coin’s condition and price on the cardboard holder), and it is advisable to replace them regularly. Saflip coin pockets are more expensive but designed for long-term storage of coins, and they are also used in various museums. (Read more about Saflip coin pockets here.)
If you have chosen coin frames or coin pockets, it is possible to store coins in coin frame cases or attractive wooden boxes instead of albums.
However, if you don’t care about albums, cases, boxes, or coin pockets, an alternative option is to use coin capsules. In this case, choose a capsule that fits the coin’s size so that you don’t have to force the coin into the capsule or, conversely, so that the coin doesn’t rattle inside.
As mentioned above, the value of a coin is mostly dependent on its condition. It is often difficult to assess the condition with the naked eye, so another important tool for every coin collector is a magnifying glass. A magnifying glass allows for closer examination of imperfections on the coin’s surface that may be invisible to the naked eye. There are various types of magnifying glasses available, including classic ones, folding ones (foldable magnifying glass with a stand), LED illuminated ones, retractable ones, collapsible ones, and more. Coin enthusiasts who search for minting errors should also consider purchasing a digital microscope.
For those interested in older coins, it is definitely worth considering the purchase of a coin scale, as weighing coins can often help detect copies and counterfeits.
As you have probably understood, the value of a coin mostly depends on its condition. Therefore, every coin collector eventually becomes interested in cleaning coins. However, please bear in mind that first and foremost, coins rarely need to be cleaned, and in most cases, cleaning actually decreases rather than increases their value (as it is often done improperly).
Secondly, skillful cleaning requires some experience that comes with years of practice, and initial attempts often end up being unsuccessful. In short, leave cleaning to professionals, and if you still want to try it yourself, start with cheaper and less valuable coins.
If, even after this warning, you are determined to clean coins, choose a cleaning agent suitable for the coin’s metal (such as silver, gold, brass, or nickel), follow the instructions on the package, and under no circumstances should you rub the coin before or after cleaning (as rubbing essentially causes mechanical damage, i.e., the coin gets damaged).
