All coin collectors need to know that a coins value can vary tremendously based on its condition.  Safe storage of your coins will prevent the coins from deteriorating and avoid an adverse impact on value based on damage.  Here are some agents that will harm you coins and some ideas on how to care for your coins.

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Fingerprints

Human hands have oils, and perhaps other contaminants if they are unwashed, that will harm coins when touched.  Coins should always be handled by its rim and rim only. There are dips and solutions that can remove fresh fingerprints, but if a fingerprint has been left to age the damage is almost always irreversible.  If you look around on eBay, you will find Seller's offering cotton gloves which are a simple way to avoid this problem.

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride

One would think that holders marketed for storing your coins would be a safe and effective measure for keeping your coins safe.  Not all holders are created equally.  PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a soft plastic.  It is commonly called vinyl.  Over long periods of time, vinyl can decompose or melt, interacting with the metal of your coin, causing permanent damage.  The result is often a greenish stain that will not come off.  When selecting coin holders or plastic flips for your coins, make sure to purchase PVC-free items.

Climate Control

It is recommended that you store your valuable coins like you would store a bottle of fine wine.  Keep them in a cool, dry and shady place.  Humidity and bright sunlight will harm your coins over time.  Instead, consider using a bank safety deposit box or clean shelf in your basement.  Need we also remind you that the storage area should be clean and dust free?  Having a polluted environment may cause coins to spot, tone unevenly, tarnish and in some cases corrode.  Use care when storing your coins so that they will hold their value and perhaps even increase in value over time.

Containers

As discussed above, a great coin can diminish in grade if not properly cared for.  The numismatic industry offers a great variety of tools to help you keep coins in there best condition whether you have a single coin or a sack full. 

Single Coins

Single coins can be kept in a small box, 2x2 flip or plastic flip.  If a coin is of particular sentimental value or of great rarity, you may want to have it encapsulated in a plastic slab by one of the grading services that offer this feature as a preservation measure in addition to a way to authenticate the coin and identify an industry recognized grade.

Rolls

Rolls of coins can be kept stacked together in rolls.  Rolls are how coins are typically delivered from your local bank.  The wrappers may be either plastic or paper.  In either case, the wrapper system is inexpensive and effective.  If you want to upgrade, plastic tubes or cylinders that available -- in either round or square shapes.

Albums

Display albums are a creative way to organize and display collections of similar coins.  Inexpensive folders only permit you to view the obverse of each coin.  For a bit more money, you can acquire display albums that allow you to view both sides of the coin through sliding plastic panels.  At the premium end, some of the albums are advertised as having archival qualities that will help preserve the condition of your coins for long periods of time.  Whichever album type you chose, you will have guidance as to the series as there is one space for each type or mint mark in the program.