How to Store and Display Your S17 Coin Collection Safely
By Stockholm17 | Find the Best Playing Cards, Books, and | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Protect your S17 coins from tarnish and scratches with a simple storage and display routine. Learn the right capsules, handling habits, and display setups.
Quick answer
Store S17 coins in inert, airtight holders such as polyethylene capsules or acid-free flips, and keep them away from humidity, direct sunlight, and frequent handling. For display, use a UV-filtered case or a shadow box with silica gel packets, and handle coins only by their edges with clean cotton gloves. This routine prevents tarnish, scratches, and wear while letting you enjoy your collection.
Why S17 coins need a dedicated storage routine
S17 coins like the RAVN IIII coin are made with an antique bronze finish and reeded edges. These details give the coin character but also make it vulnerable to fingerprints, moisture, and abrasion. Unlike playing cards, which can be stored in a tuck box, coins need protection from the air itself. Humidity and sulfur compounds in the environment slowly tarnish metal, and even a light touch can leave oils that etch the surface over time. A consistent storage and display routine keeps the coin’s original look intact and preserves its collectible value.
Choosing the right holders and display materials
Not all coin holders are safe for long-term use. Avoid PVC flips, which can release plasticizers that damage metal. Instead, look for polyethylene or Mylar capsules, or acid-free paper flips. For display, opt for frames or cases with UV-filtered glass or acrylic, and include a small silica gel packet to absorb moisture. If you want to show off the coin alongside your playing card collection, a shadow box with compartments works well, but make sure the coin sits in its own inert holder inside the box.
Handling your coins without leaving marks
Always hold a coin by its edges, never by the faces. Clean cotton gloves are ideal, but if you don’t have them, wash and dry your hands thoroughly to remove oils. Work on a soft, clean surface like a felt mat or a microfiber cloth to avoid accidental drops or scratches. If you need to remove a coin from a capsule, do it over the mat and avoid touching the relief details. For coins with an antique finish, like the RAVN IIII coin, even slight rubbing can wear down the patina, so minimal handling is best.
Step-by-step storage and display routine
- 1. Inspect and clean your workspace: Choose a clean, well-lit area away from food, drinks, and pets. Wipe down the surface and place a soft mat. Wash and dry your hands or put on cotton gloves. Checkpoint: No dust or grit on the mat—these can scratch coins.
- 2. Handle coins by the edges only: Pick up each coin by its rim, never touching the faces. If you must set it down, place it on the mat with the most detailed side up to avoid pressure on the relief. Mistake to avoid: Holding a coin between your thumb and forefinger on the faces leaves oils that accelerate tarnish.
- 3. Place each coin in an inert holder: Use polyethylene capsules, Mylar flips, or acid-free paper flips. For the RAVN IIII coin, a half-dollar-sized capsule fits perfectly. Ensure the holder is clean and dry before sealing. Checkpoint: The holder should be free of PVC; if it smells like plastic, it’s not safe.
- 4. Store holders in a controlled environment: Keep your coin holders in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a closed box or cabinet. Add silica gel packets to absorb moisture. Avoid basements, attics, or anywhere with temperature swings. Mistake to avoid: Storing coins in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity spikes.
- 5. Design a safe display: If displaying, use a UV-filtered case or shadow box. Mount coins in their holders, not loose. Add a silica gel packet inside the display. Keep the display out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Checkpoint: Sunlight can fade finishes and accelerate tarnish; indirect light is best.
- 6. Rotate and maintain: Every few months, check your coins for any signs of tarnish or holder degradation. Replace silica gel packets as needed. If you notice tarnish starting, isolate the coin and consult a professional conservator—do not attempt to clean it yourself. Next step: Set a calendar reminder for a biannual check.
S17 coin and accessory facts
- RAVN IIII coin: RAVN IIII coin: half dollar size (diameter and thickness) perfect for coin magic, antique bronze finish, metal reeded edges. Designed by Stockholm17 for Caroline Ravn magician. Its half-dollar size fits standard coin capsules and many coin magic routines, while the antique bronze finish and reeded edges require careful handling to avoid wear.
- S17 tiny metal badge: S17 tiny metal badge: Adhesive Enamel Badge (sigil XVII), antique silver finish and red enamel, adhesive (3M tape), size 11.5x23.2mm. This small badge can be attached to a display case or storage box to add S17 branding without risking damage to your coins.
