How to display coins at home without damaging them
Display cases, frames and stands: light, humidity, dust and security – what to plan for before you display a collection
BulgarianCoins editorial team 3 min read
A collection kept in a box in the wardrobe is safe but invisible. Many collectors want to show some of their coins – in the library, on the desk or in the study. This is perfectly possible if four things are planned for: light, humidity, dust and security.
Choose the right place
The best place is an inside wall, away from windows, radiators, the kitchen and the bathroom. Sunlight heats the display case, and temperature fluctuations lead to condensation inside. The kitchen and bathroom add moisture and vapours. If the room is damp, it is better to display the coins briefly – for guests or a holiday – and return them to the box.
Light
Light alone does not damage metal, but heat and UV rays harm packaging, labels and certificates. The BNB’s paper certificates fade, and some plastics turn yellow. Use LED lighting, which does not heat, and avoid halogen lamps in closed display cases. Proof coins look best on a dark background, with directed light at an angle.
A closed display case, not an open stand
| Solution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Closed glass display case | protects from dust and touching | needs silica gel inside |
| Frame with capsules | elegant, for one theme or series | hard to add new coins |
| Stand for a single capsule | suitable for a desk | falls over easily, easy to take |
| Open tray | beautiful | dust, fingers, theft |
The coin should always stay in a capsule – even in the display case. BNB capsules are suitable. For old coins, use rigid acrylic capsules of the right diameter. See also Storage without PVC – the lining of the display case should not be rubber, wool or cheap cardboard.
Humidity inside the display case
A closed display case becomes a small microclimate. Put a bag or box of silica gel and a small hygrometer inside. If humidity exceeds 50%, replace or dry the silica gel. You will find details in Humidity, temperature and silica gel.
Which coins to display
Choose coins with a story and a beautiful design, but not the most valuable ones. Good candidates are:
- A series or theme – for example the coins for the Bulgarian State Railways or series and themes.
- Coins that tell the story of a year – see coins by year.
- Coins in BNB capsules – “Gryphon” (1986) or “Mother and Child” (1981).
Gold, rare coins and certified coins in PCGS or NGC slabs are better kept in a safe. The reason is not only theft – insurers often require valuables to be kept locked away. More in Bank or home safe.
Security
Do not place the display case facing the window, and do not post photos from which your address could be identified. A lockable display case is the minimum. And do not forget to photograph the coins on display – photos are the best evidence for insurance.
