Provenance is the known ownership and transaction history of a coin. Good records can support identification, authenticity, insurance and future sale decisions.
What to retain
- Dealer or auction invoices and lot descriptions.
- Previous collection tickets and envelopes.
- Grading certificates and reference numbers.
- Valuation reports and relevant correspondence.
- Dates, names and notes about how the coin was acquired.
Keep the link clear
Name uploaded files consistently and attach them to the correct coin record. Photograph fragile paper labels rather than writing on them. If a document covers several coins, note that relationship in each relevant record.
Keep original documents securely. Digital copies are convenient working records, but they should not be your only backup of important provenance.