The value of silver is determined by multiple factors that include its general appearance and luster. Although tarnishing doesn’t necessarily impact the value of your coins and bars, it’s always best to do what you can to prevent discolorations from marring your bullion’s shine. Like many other precious metals, silver is prone to tarnishing, and knowing how to stop it helps you demonstrate your professionalism and expertise regarding the proper care of bullion. The experts from First National Bullion and Coin, Scottsdale precious metals dealers with years of experience collectors can trust, offer these tips on how you can keep your silver bullion from tarnishing.

Avoid Picking Up Silver Bullion with Your Hands

There’s something so tempting about a shiny coin that makes you want to pick it up and admire it from a closer distance, and while it’s satisfying to run your hands across the smooth, cool surface of a silver bar, it’s best to give your bullion the white glove treatment. Wearing cotton gloves stops the oils from your fingers from being deposited on the surface of your bullion. You can also use tweezers to pick up smaller coins, and always set them on a clean surface to further prevent the transfer of contaminants to the bullion.

Limit Exposure to Humidity

If you live in an area with high levels of humidity in the air, you’ll need to be very cautious about how you store your silver coins and bars. Humidity increases the rate of tarnishing. Consider storing your silver in a dehumidifying container that removes moisture from the air. Silica gel packets are also effective for preventing silver from tarnishing. When you’re transporting your silver, make sure to store it in a waterproof container that further prevents it from getting wet on a rainy or humid day.

Counteract the Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide is often present in the air, and it comes from items commonly found in most people’s homes. For instance, cooking foods such as onions and eggs can release hydrogen sulfide into the air. Rubber also contains hydrogen sulfide. While you should avoid storing your bullion in containers made of rubber, you can also take further action to prevent hydrogen sulfide from tarnishing your silver. Adding a piece of charcoal, such as what you find in fish tank filters, can soak up the hydrogen sulfide from the air.

Choose the Right Storage Container

As a general rule, you’ll want to store your silver in a container that limits its exposure to the air. Special capsules and tubes are available that are specially designed for the proper storage of silver bullion. Although you’ll sometimes see people use plastic bags for storage, this isn’t recommended. Plastic bags can sometimes develop condensation inside that leads to tarnishing, and allowing loose coins to rub against each other can lead to abrasions that affect the silver’s value. If your silver does develop tarnish, cleaning it carefully can keep it from getting worse. 

Whether they’re looking for expert advice on taking care of their precious metals or they want to buy silver bullion, Scottsdale residents should work with trustworthy precious metal dealers who offer high-quality service and have years of experience. Call on the industry-leading professionals at First National Bullion when you’re ready to invest in precious metals, including silver, gold, platinum, and palladium. Give us a call today at 480-546-8928.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.