How to store coins?
From my experience the best way to store coins is to put them in special coinsheets . I for example prefer coinsheets of the Lighthouse firm from Germany (Optima), I use their binders too. Very important thing is to use coinsheets made from hard plastic and not from other materials such as PVC etc., becuase those materials can interact with coins damaging them. I remember how about 10 years ago I found my coins covered with a green sticky substance after being stored some years in soft plastic sheets. Since there I use only Optima sheets.
Another good way of coins storage is to put them into special square carton holders, with a round hole in the center, although I personally do not use this method.
To clean or not to clean?
There are many opinions regarding this topic but most of them agree that it's better not to clean coins. Cleaning coins can damage them, subsequently lowering their value. I personally know such ways of cleaning coins as cleaning with a toothpaste or soaking in brine for some minutes. From my experience, the last method is very good for removing the patina - that brown layer covering bronze and copper coins. But it's well known that it is better not to remove patina at all, since it protects coin surface from further damaging.
So for me the best way is to wash the coins with water and soap and to dry them well. I always do so before putting new coins into an albom.
Trading via Internet
This is the best way to enlarge your collection and to find new friends worldwide. It is a little bit risky, since you can encounter bad traders and you will not get the promised coins, but you can avoid this if you're careful enough
How to find partners for trading?
1) First of all there are some well known collectors lists such as David's list of Traders, Steve's List of Traders or the International Union of the Numismatic Collectors ( look my Links section for the URLs). You'll find there plenty of collectors contacts , sorted by continents and countries.
2) The second source of info is Good Traders sections of personal collectors sites. Their advantage is that the collectors there are those the site owner traded with them so they are more reliable. I found many trade partners by visiting Good Traders Lists of people I have already traded with.
3) There are many internet clubs regarding coin trading, numismatics etc. (for example The Yahoo Coins Club ). Many collectors are offering to trade such a way and you can do the same. Another option is rec.collecting.coins newsgroup, which is also a good source for finding trade partners.
What to include in your Doubles list?
You have to include in your doubles list the next sections : country, KM number, denomination and year. It's better to include also the coins conditions (vf, xf, etc...) , it could shorten the trading process and give more information about your coins. And if you have a coin with some damage you need to describe it too.
"The Good Manners" of Internet trading
1) When you reach an agreement with your partner you have to send the coins together. Don't wait till you get his coins before sending yours! If your partner looks suspicious you can ask him to send first, and only in this case you should wait for his coins.
2) Don't put an adhesive tape directly on coins, it leaves traces which are hard to remove! Wrap the coins with a paper or plastic and attach them to a cardboard.
3) As to the coins quality - while sending your coins imagine first of all whether you would be glad to receive coins, you are sending to your partner! If you have coins with some damage/heavy wear , let the other side know about it!
