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Currency collections. Tips for how to keep them souvenir worthy
Perhaps you have leftover bills from trips to other countries tucked away in a drawer. Perhaps, your souvenir bills are in an envelope or a plastic baggie. Maybe some of the bills are so dirty and worn, they're a bit scary to touch. Or maybe you have quite the collection in an archival box, shoebox-sized like Ron Wise.
According to this article published in the Seattle Times, Wise has more than 10,000 bills and knows which ones are his favorites and how to keep the collection looking pristine.
The value of a currency lies partly within the shape its in. That wrinkled, sad looking dong I kept from Vietnam has sentimental value, but isn't a collector's item, for example.
Another suggestion for acquiring crisp, clean bills is to buy currency by using an ATM machine with a credit or debit card. Once you get your lovely bills, Wise suggests putting them between pages of a hardcover book or in an envelope placed in a magazine that you don't fold until you get them home.
Once home, store the bills in archive quality plastic holders or an archival box, and keep the collection in a low humidity. Humidity can cause damage.
If you frame the currency, hang the frame out of direct sunlight and consider using glass that prevents UV rays from damaging the bills.
If you want to find out about other people's currency collection and share your own, head to Wise's website World Paper Money Homepage.
Still, there is something a bit precious about my sad-sack dong and rupees. I can only guess how far they've traveled.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Craig Feb 1st 2009 12:37PM
My wife finds a lot of sentimental value in my wrinkled, sad looking dong, too.
Willy Feb 2nd 2009 6:40AM
Best comment ever on Gadling!! Thanks for the laugh.
Brian McKay Feb 3rd 2009 7:40AM
Good advice. I always get new, flat bills from ATMs, at 'proper' exchange rates, keep 'em flat then soon place them in Zip-loc bags.