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Banknote Storage and Protection
A banknote collection is a valuable asset for the collector. So much time can be spent finding, sorting
and enjoying a collection. But also a lot of money can go into these historical banknotes. Therefore
it is essential to maintain the quality of the notes.
Historical banknotes are often older than 50 or even a hundred years. Being made of paper it is
surprising that so many of these notes have passed the times so well. Let's not forget these bills were
issued to be used as payment and go through dozens of hands in daily use.
Many of the old banknote "collections" were stored in cigar boxes, (used) letter envelops and books.
While this method is a very inexpensive way to store the money it is neither attractive nor very good
for the condition of these notes.
Also very common in the old days it was to glue the banknotes into a photo album. It doesn't matter, if
this was done directly with the back of the note glued to the album or with these little paper corners.
Both ways are likely to destroy or significantly reduce the value of a banknote. At the very
least an unattractive mark is left (see picture).
How to store banknotes properly?
The safest way to store banknotes are albums. They not only protect these valuable bills, but also
allow to present them in a very nice way.
Albums specifically designed for banknotes are available these days. They normally come with
transparent plastic sleeves, which allow to view the front and the back of the banknotes. It is crucial
to use only sleeves that have been manufactured for collecting purposes. Very cheap and older sleeves
are made from PVC that contain softener, which can damage the money bills.
Brands that offer good quality albums for banknote collections include:
- SAFE
- Lighthouse
 (Buy directly at their website - click "english" after load)
- Lindner
- Hendon
- Britannia
Another possibility to store banknotes are stamp albums, which are usually a bit easier to get hold of.
Especially well suited are those albums that are made for FDCs (First Day Covers) and post cards.
Any of the chosen albums should be able to accommodate the various sizes of banknotes. Sleeves usually are
available with a variety of compartment sizes. This is ideal when a collection is being transported and
prevents the bills from skidding around and being damaged.
Other considerations
For the same reason standard office supplies are not an ideal storage solution for banknotes. They don't
offer the same protection that albums provide. Additionally the manufacturers of albums will be able to
provide supplies over a long period of time. So a quality provider can make a difference.
Banknotes should be stored dry and light-protected. It might be nice to frame a banknote and display
it on the wall. However, in direct sunshine the bill will soon start to fade and loose its appeal.
Extensive collections can have a significant value. Therefore the albums should be stored in a safe
place. Insurance cover should be considered and if taken out the collector should make sure that he
complies with the storage conditions of the insurance contract, e.g. keep it locked away.
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