Yesterday, I posted a near-perfect 1930 penny I found in an unsearched penny roll, under "Coin Roll Hunting". I then had to put it away because I couldn't stop looking at it and I am afraid of damaging it with hand secretions and such. I really can't get over the condition. I figured - "well, it's a very pretty little coin, but a common date penny, just stick it in a little holder and put it away".....but now I am wondering - How do I store it to ensure the color doesn't change? Should I rinse it with something to take off any oils I might have gotten on it, handling it, before I put it away? It's really in amazing condition now, and I want to keep it that way. Also, Should I have it graded? Grading it would probably cost more than the coin is worth, but it is a real stunner, IMHO. and having it graded and slabbed would probably ensure any further deterioration. It just seems worth trying to preserve as best as possible, having made it all these years with hardly a scratch on it. It is starting to darken around the top of the rim on the obverse, and I would hate to see it lose it's color. I was trying to catch the details on the obverse, which are awesome - very strong strike lines and Lincoln's eye is really detailed - and changed the lighting, so one side looks red and one blonde - it is actually kind of blonder than most coins, I guess the metal composition of the time. But, I couldn't get really good "head shots", LOL - however, these pics will give you an idea. Thank you for your time and consideration of this.
Thank You! As I said in my introduction, I am fairly ignorant of the finer points of coin collecting, and learning how to store and preserve coins is surprisingly confusing at this point! I'm sure it is very clear to someone whom has been around for awhile, but I get conflicting info when I read. Thanks again!
