Safe Storage Of Old Coins

I have a metal container of desiccant that I dry periodically in the oven when the desiccant turns pink.

For individual coin protection against atmospheric elements, I think the AirTite and DirectFit capsules are good. Regrettably, I don't think they work with albums (not really sure on that one) but need to be kept loose or in trays or tubes.

For overall atmospheric protection quality storage, I prefer military surplus "ammo cans." Good ones have a robust rubber air-tight gasket and a similarly robust pressure-closure lever device. For their modest cost, I think they're the best deal available at that price level.

You can use "rechargeable" dessicant packs in them, as well. See Midwayuk.com for a variety of such products. They keep stuff really dry and can "be made the equal of new again" through a low-temp toasting in an oven. The products cost more via midwayuk.com than they do via midwayusa.com, but at least you can get them. Other than them, I'm not sure what your availability situation over there is for shooting sports supplies. Midway has the ammo cans, too.

Good luck with your storage quandary...

I forgot to add, is it good practice to give them all a quick dip (in-out) in acetone before storing? I fear that in the week or so they have been lying around, they have been exposed to some dampness, they feel ever so slightly tacky.

Hoo boy! Paul - you just opened the very Gate to Hades itself with the acetone question... That one gets the CCF troops going but good. I'm heading for my bomb shelter. See you later...

Anyone arguing against the safe (to your body & household) and intelligent (choosing the right coin) use of acetone doesn't know enough about chemistry.

If you like them and want them in there its worth it. The high grade stuff I would definitely put them in their or an album. You just staple the edges to close the cardboard up generally 3 staples is all it takes. You can save a bit of money too if you wanted by using the quarter ones for dimes/nickels/pennies as well unless you want to get the right size for every one

I agree with the Mylar 2x2 suggestion (I was never a fan but since I started collecting ancients where there is lots of information to write on them I like these a lot)

IF you buy a binder and pages to hold the flips be sure to get pages which dont contain PVC since they will effect the coins even through the mylar flips.

It is not always easy to know whether the plastic contains PVC... some earlier binders that I had the pages were assured to me as PVC free but with 15 years sitting inside I got definate PVC slime. I since dipped all my coins in acetone (and dont think it will do any harm or that anyone will be able to tell if you dip coins in acetone before storage) and moved over to a different brand of page. Some of the coins lost their luster because of the slime but no major damage done really to the majority.

I dont know how you can tell 100% whether a plastic has any PVC in it untill the damage is done, but I would say that the safe pages tend to have no smell at all to them, the unsafe ones I had smelt plasticy.

Mylar 2x2's in non PVC archival quality album pages is the way to go.

Slabs and air tights are fine, but they present a different range of storage problems, but slab albums can be bought. My collection does not lend itself to this approach.

With the clear Mylar 2x2's, you get to document all of the information relating to the coin, AND get to see it at the same time, WITHOUT direct contact of your fingers on the coin. The natural oils on your fingers can permanently stain coins.
There has been some woe reported in the CCF regarding permanent fingerprint stains on coins.

Don't use soft clear PVC album pages.