My girlfriend got me a roll of the new 2009 pennies. I'm curious to actually look at them, but I'm worried that if I break open the roll, that will decrease the value of them. If I opened the roll and put the pennies in a tube (assuming I don't get fingerprints on them), will they be worth less than if I just keep them in the original paper roll?
Unlikely...but talk to a numismatist in your area. They can answer any number of questions you might have (and if you want to get into the avocation, they can direct you to the right people (read honest dealers) and reliable periodicals. Coin collecting can be *extremely* profitable if you're willing to sell your stock - since the insurance premiums can be painful if you don't! After all, one penny thoughtlessly handed to you in your change can be worth $10,000+... (Truely happened with a $50,000 or more value penny to one guy in Eastern Canada/North-East States about 20 years ago!) Anyway, Good Luck!
it depends if the paper wrapper is a special mint one or just a bank one. if a special wrapper it is best to keep it in it. The mint is selling the rolls with a special wrapper. However paper is not good for coins for most wrappers are cheaply made and have acids in the paper. A hard plastic coin tube is the best for it is archival to an extent, for air still can get in there. A pair of white cotton coin gloves stops the finger prints on the coins problem. A soft clean handkerchief that has no fabric softener on it works well also, but one needs to be more careful. hope this helps.
