An approach to the systematic examination, documentation, and stabilization of a large collection of metallic coins and medallions is outlined. Instrumental analysis using the scanning electron microscope for surface analyses of corrosion products and alloy composition is explained. Succinct definitions of numismatic terms as applied to conservation are given, along with a table of corrosion product descriptions which may be used along with other methods for the identification of corrosion products. Methods and procedures for cleaning and stabilizing numismatic objects which are pertinent to curators have been outlined step by step with concommitant descriptions of the chemicals used.