Accessories

Collecting accessories

How a collection is stored determines what condition it will be in years from now, which makes accessories one of the more consequential purchases a collector makes. Coins are damaged by contact with skin and by unsuitable materials; notes are damaged by folding, light and humidity. The right supplies prevent both.

What collectors use

• Albums and folders — organised storage that keeps a collection viewable.
• Capsules and holders — individual protection for coins.
• Sleeves — flat, unfolded storage for banknotes.
• Handling tools — gloves and tongs to avoid direct contact.
• Magnifiers — for reading mint marks, dates and fine detail.

Archival-quality materials are worth the difference: unsuitable plastics can damage what they are meant to protect.