Zinc alloy, a versatile and durable material, has become a preferred choice for crafting medals and coins, especially for collectors and those seeking high-quality commemorative items. Whether you are a collector of Zinc Alloy Medals, Zinc Alloy Coins, or Challenge Coins, understanding the best practices for storing these items is crucial to maintaining their value and appearance over time.
What is Zinc Alloy?
Zinc alloy is a metal alloy primarily composed of zinc, with small amounts of other metals like aluminum, copper, magnesium, and sometimes lead, cadmium, or titanium. The specific blend of metals used can vary depending on the desired properties for the final product, but zinc is typically the primary component. The reason zinc alloy is so widely used for medals, coins, and challenge coins is due to its excellent combination of durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to hold fine details in manufacturing processes.
The alloy is known for being relatively lightweight yet strong and resistant to wear. One of the key reasons Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins are prized by collectors is the ability of the metal to produce intricate designs with clear, sharp lines. Zinc alloy’s ease of use in die-casting also makes it a cost-effective material for minting coins and producing medals, making it accessible for both collectors and those involved in various award-based industries.
Why Zinc Alloy is Popular in Medals and Coins
Zinc alloy is widely regarded as an ideal material for medals and coins due to several factors:
Corrosion Resistance: Zinc forms a protective layer of zinc oxide when exposed to air, which naturally prevents rust and corrosion from affecting the metal. This makes Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins particularly durable in various environmental conditions.
Cost-Effective: Compared to other precious metals like gold or silver, brass, copper and zinc alloy is far less expensive, making it an affordable option for creating high-quality items like challenge coins, commemorative medals, and coins.
Versatility in Design: Zinc alloy can easily be shaped into a variety of forms, allowing for detailed, intricate designs in both the relief and engraving of medals and coins. This makes it particularly popular for custom items and collectibles.
Environmental Friendliness: Zinc alloy is recyclable, meaning that it can be reused, which adds an eco-friendly dimension to its use in coin and medal manufacturing.
Why Zinc Alloy Does Not Rust
One of the most appealing features of Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins is that they do not rust easily. When zinc reacts with oxygen in the air, it forms a passive protective layer of zinc oxide on the surface. This natural defense prevents the interior metal from further corrosion, making it much less susceptible to rust and wear compared to iron-based metals. This is why Zinc Alloy Coins retain their integrity and appearance over long periods, even when exposed to environmental elements.
While the surface of zinc alloy can change color due to oxidation over time, this does not constitute rusting. Instead, the color change is often superficial, and with a gentle cleaning, the coin or medal can be restored to its original finish.
Best Practices for Storing Zinc Alloy Medals and Coins
Now that we have a clear understanding of what zinc alloy is and why it is so widely used in the creation of Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins, let’s dive into the best practices for storing these items to ensure their longevity and maintain their value.
1. Store Coins and Medals in Original Packaging
The most effective way to protect your Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins is by keeping them in their original packaging. This usually includes a hard transparent capsule or a protective sleeve designed to shield the coin or medal from dust, moisture, and physical damage. These protective cases are especially important for preserving the smooth, mirror-like surface of proof quality coins, as well as the fine details and frosted relief designs typical of high-quality medals and coins.
Avoid storing your Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins without this protective packaging, as exposure to air and contaminants can cause discoloration or other forms of damage.
2. Avoid Exposure to Household Chemicals
Certain household chemicals and substances can have a detrimental effect on the surface of Zinc Alloy Coins and Zinc Alloy Medals. It is particularly important to avoid storing your collectible items near chemicals such as chlorine, mercury, and iodine, which can stain the surface or cause it to develop a dark patina. Even cosmetics, lotions, or medications can contribute to the deterioration of your items, so it’s best to keep them away from such substances.
3. Keep Coins and Medals in a Dry, Controlled Environment
Humidity is one of the most common causes of damage to Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins. Excess moisture in the air can lead to the formation of tarnish or even oxidation in extreme cases. The ideal storage environment for your Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins is a dry, temperature-controlled space. The recommended temperature range for storing these items is between 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).
Be mindful of places like basements and attics, which can experience significant temperature and humidity fluctuations. A safe and dry location, such as a closed cabinet or a drawer in a room with stable conditions, is ideal. Additionally, using silica gel packs or dehumidifiers can help maintain the right level of humidity for optimal preservation.
4. Handle with Care: Use Cotton Gloves
When handling Zinc Alloy Medals and Coins, it is generally not necessary to wear gloves. However, for proof quality coins with mirror-like reflective surfaces, it's strongly recommended to wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and fingerprints that can easily cause tarnishing or blemishes. If you need to remove a proof coin from its protective case for closer inspection, use soft-tipped tweezers or carefully hold the edges to avoid touching the delicate surface directly.
5. Prevent Physical Damage
When storing Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins, it’s important to keep them from coming into contact with one another to prevent scratches, dings, or other forms of mechanical damage. If you have multiple coins or medals, consider storing them individually in protective cases, such as coin flips or coin capsules, which will keep them separated and reduce the risk of physical harm.
Never stack your Zinc Alloy Medals or Zinc Alloy Coins on top of one another, as this can lead to friction and scratching. Additionally, avoid storing them in containers where they may move around and collide.
6. Regular Inspection and Cleaning
While Zinc Alloy Coins and Zinc Alloy Medals are relatively low-maintenance, it’s a good idea to periodically inspect them for any signs of tarnish or surface degradation. If you notice dust or fingerprints on the surface, use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away the debris. Never use harsh cleaning solutions or abrasives, as these can damage the surface finish and diminish the item’s value.
In the event that tarnish or a patina begins to form on a Zinc Alloy Coin or Zinc Alloy Medal, you can use a special polishing cloth designed for use on precious metals, such as silver, to gently remove it. However, always be cautious and avoid aggressive cleaning, which may harm the coin’s delicate surface.
7. Store Away from Banknotes
It is not advisable to store Zinc Alloy Coins and Zinc Alloy Medals near banknotes, as the paper used in banknotes may contain sulfur compounds that can cause discoloration or browning on the surface of the metal. Store your coins and medals in a separate location from any paper-based items to ensure their protection.
Conclusion
The preservation of Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins requires attention to detail and careful handling. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your coins and medals remain in excellent condition, retaining both their aesthetic appeal and value over time. Whether you are storing commemorative challenge coins, rare coins, or highly detailed medals, these methods will help you protect your collection for future generations.
With their resistance to corrosion and rust, Zinc Alloy Medals and Zinc Alloy Coins are durable and long-lasting, but proper storage is essential to maintain their pristine condition. Keep them in their original packaging, avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, store them in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, and handle them with care to ensure they continue to shine for years to come.
By taking the right precautions, you can ensure that your Zinc Alloy Coins and Zinc Alloy Medals remain treasured items for both collectors and enthusiasts alike.
