Keep handling of the coin itself to the bare minimum. Dust, scratches, fingerprints and moisture will affect the quality of your coins and depreciate their value. Any type of touch or fingerprint could lessen the value of your coins, so only grasp them by the edges when absolutely necessary.

Coin cleaning, which is not recommended, should be done only by an expert, and only when absolutely necessary. Collectors might actually value the patina a coin has gradually developed, and consider a cleaned coin less desirable.

Even though most holders offer plenty of safeguards against fingerprints and dust, you want to be sure that your really rare Sacagawea dollars are protected from moisture as well. Aside from the typical stapled or taped packets that provide average protection, there are other protectors out there that can do a better job and guard against moisture as well. A dry, temperature controlled area is the best storage area for collectible coins; storing in a basement or other damp location is never a good idea.