How Do You Protect Your Collection?

I let the pit bull have the run of the house when I'm not home.

Probably something you don't see much of in Canada or Australia.

I'm safety deposit box guy. But in the rare instances where I have to transport my coins to shows or other places, I transform into a Sig Sauer guy.

Sitting here now, I would say yes, what I have on hand might get stuffed in the car if a worst case scenario happened. In the heat of the moment, I don't know if I would think of it however.

Thanks all for the insight. I was hoping to get into a discussion of the "bug out bag" rather than a response to theft. Whether Rottweiler, Glock or the like they are insignificant when faced with a rising river, tidal surge or forest fire.

@Earle42

You are fortunate... A couple of years ago we were within 15 minutes of getting a "leave now" order due to a close fire. Fortunately it was small and it was early enough in the year that the forest was still wet enough that it did not develop quickly and the firefighters were able to knock it down before it endangered any lives or property... BTW, it is my experience when someone knocks on the door and there is a red glow behind them, you tend not to question the legitimacy or legality of their evacuation order.

With more urban dwellers living in the path of fire, flood, weather or earthquake. I was wondering if your collection is in a location to survive a catastrophic event. The reason for the question is not just the enjoyment of the hobby but the fact that many long term collectors have a fair amount tied up in their collections... at least if threads related to inheritance (to or from) are to be noted. Other forms of net worth are protected in other forms... Real Estate can be insured, Stocks, bonds, and other investments can be stored by brokerage accounts and backed up by myriad electronic representations but that MS-63 1948 Silver Dollar is a fixed and tangible item. When destroyed... it is gone and most insurance does not cover coin collections.

At one point, I would have said that a bank safety deposit box would have been suffice but seeing what Katrina did to New Orleans or what the fires did to Paradise, CA I have to wonder if even these options are safe.

Of course, in the face of any imminent disaster, the safety and security of loved ones and neighbours is paramount, quickly followed by pets or livestock; Things while a source of enjoyment are quite far down the list of priorities. That said, at some point when all other priorities are addressed, your collection gets some attention. Personally, I keep my higher value items in the same place and could move them to the trunk of the car in minutes. Loading all of my collection would take too long and may jeopardize life and limb... an unacceptable trade off.

I am not sure whether it is possible to construct a safe that is both sufficiently fire resistant and water resistant that will allow a forest fire or flood to occur without damaging the contents and still have a sufficiently hospitable environment that silver and copper would not suffer toning or other oxidization effects. Remember slabbed coins (ICCS soft slabs are probably worse) will melt if exposed to too high a heat...

Any suggestions... other than to only worry about what you can control

Thanks for articulating (with the exception of no tornado's) my exact thoughts and situation. I misunderstood the gist of this thread. I would never anticipate authorities knocking on my door and give you 5-15 minutes to evacuate.

My greatest fear; home invasion or robbery. Welcome to New York. Back to the original question: How do I protect my collection? Dog, home alarm, handgun, a five foot gun safe for the coins. Not necessarily that order.

Ruger, Marlin, Remington, and a camera. Yup, camera. I have everything of value documented well with pics and everything is insured, even the stuff in the bank safe. So, in case of leave now or swim, burn, etc, I grab the only thing I really consider of high value, my wife. The rest, insurance baby! Everything else can be replaced, it's only money. My coin collection is pale compared to my art collection, it would be impossible to pick it all up to move in a hurry. Break into my house to steal, well, whatever the dogs leave, I can dig a deep hole.

@Earle42 The way I've come to understand it, there is no formal punishment for disobeying a mandatory evacuation order. But they make sure you understand, (and in some cases sign a contract) that if you don't leave now, no emergency responders will be sent to help you. Thus preventing unnecessary government casualties and spending.