I like to use Whitman coin albums for my cent and dime collections. However, sometimes it is hard to get those coins into their slots, and I find myself putting a lot of force on those coins. Can I damage a coin this way?
It's not so much the force as the oils on the skin. Yes, pressing hard on them can damage/scratch them. You really should never touch the coins on the obverse or reverse, just by the rim. If they're not entirely valuable, then it should be fine. It's usually easier to get the coins in by putting them in on an angle and snapping them down
Doubtful, as the paper is much softer than metal, although minute scratches could occur on the edges if dust ( mainly quartz with harness well above coin metals) was present. With circulated or common coins, it would be ok IMO. There is no need for the fingers to touch the coin surface when pressing them into the slot, just put a plastic bag ( like a zip lock or similar ) between your fingers and the coin surface. And Welcome to the forum! Jim
As long as they are circulated coins it's not a big deal. Just wipe them off a little once they are seated so they don't get a fingerprint etched into them. Uncirculated coins are damaged by being wiped off afterward so a different technique should be used. Put a well worn coin into the slot and then a less worn coin to stretch it out a little and then use a soft cloth to put the unc in. Keep in mind though that this storage isn't good for long term storage of uncs as they will tone or corrode.
I use cotton coin gloves when I handle my coins, or press them into an album. You can buy a pair for under $5 at most coin shops.
I’ve learned a little about those Whitman coin albums: Unscrew the pages so you can work on individual pages. Make sure you insert the plastic guard with the rounded edges, rather than the square edges. I think if you push the coins in from the sides and then try to snap them in you will have the most success, though someone might want to correct me on that.
What I worry about is taking an uncirculated coin and turning it into a circulated coin simply by applying enough pressure with my finger to put some wear on the coin. No one seems to be concerned about that, so I am guessing it wouldn’t happen.
No. You cannot impart "wear" onto a coin simply by pressing it into a coin book. You can impart fingerprint oils which will show up after a while instorage though. I find cotton gloves sometimes cumbersome and have used either a soft white T Shirt or a clean soft handkerchief. Particularly stubborn coins may require enlarging the hole ever so slightly. 400 grit sandpaper will work but try to vacuum as much of the dust out as possible. Use your best judgement without directly touching the coin.
