Are Milk Crates PVC Free?

I am assuming that we are not talking about Super high end one of a kind coins here. I think I understand what you are attempting here. I would not use shelfs made of T-ware if I were you, but that just may come from my hatred of the product and plastics in general.

This web site http://www.coincabinets.com/ shows some coin cabinets that might give you some ideas.

Here is one were the guy built his own.
http://www.numisology.com/Coin-cabinet-1.html

Your idea is interesting and I like the reusing and repurposing that you are doing. Woden dowels will not cause any undue harm to your coins as I doubt if you will keep them in there for decades.

If you can, I would sugest you contact a CCF member named Tom Goodheart. He is an English collector of high end Charles I silver that he keeps in a cabinet.

I think your idea is basicly sound and your ancients would look good in a cabinet setting. And the guy who designed those crates never dreamed they would be holding ancient coins opne day.

Do you ever go to charity stores like Goodwill, or small antique shops? Mahogany can aften be found rather cheaply that is just dying to be loved again. With your obvious knack of repurposing things I trust you could come up with an idea or two.