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 Replies: 14 / Views: 12,752 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1195 Posts |
i thought using a safe to store coins would be good but I read an article saying fireproof safes may have chemicals in them that can damage coins. Is this true? What if the coins are in tubes, boxes, ets in the safe?
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Valued Member
Canada
413 Posts |
The problem with fireproof safes is that they are a sealed unit which could potentially cause humidity to build up inside this could cause damage to your coins and will certainly damage banknotes
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
I have not heard of the outgassing thing but I have about the moisture problem. A reusable desiccant takes care of the moisture problem.Maybe call a store that sells safes and ask them. John1  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
There should be nothing in a safe that can cause damage to a coin unless you put it there. However, remember, even though a safe may be stated to be fire proof, in a fire they will get hot. The inside will get hot too. Hot enough to melt plastic. This means your plastic tubes, slides in folders, 2x2's, etc. will melt all over your coins.
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New Member
United States
25 Posts |
Actually I'm inclined to disagree and say that there are things in a "fireproof" safe that can harm a coin beyond just the moisture issue. I say "fireproof" in quotes because most safes other than the EXTREMELY expensive are more fire resistant than they are fireproof and depending on their exact makeup can still get stupid hot inside during a fire. As was mentioned most would get hot enough to melt the plastic that coins in safe might be stored. in. At any rate; even if you keep desiccant in a safe to try and control moisture; most medium to low end safes use gypsum board for their fire suppression. Gypsum is calcium sulfate dihydrate. Additionally, depending on where the safe (or the gypsum board used inside it) was made there is the possibility that the fire board also contains pvc. Everything thing I've ever encountered says sulphur/sulfate's and pvc is bad for coins so I have a healthy bit of skepticism when it comes to "fireproof" safes and coins.
Edited by icculus
09/18/2015 1:42 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7627 Posts |
The safe won't damage the coins anywhere near what would happen if they were left unprotected in a fire.
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Moderator
United States
189340 Posts |
Quote:
...and pvc is bad for coins... Just to be clear, PVC on its own may not be bad for coins, specifically rigid PVC. The plasticizers used to soften PVC is what causes the real problems. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1195 Posts |
I guess I should clarify a bit. I'm not even really looking for fire protection, the safe is simply somewhere to store the coins. Most coins are in air-tites or slabs but there are also some boxed proof sets and square tube rolls. I have some of the desiccant packs in the safe. So far I don't see any damage but I'd rather not risk it.
What is the recommendation for the best place to store these coins so they won't get damaged at all?
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Valued Member
Australia
73 Posts |
in truth house fires are extremely rare !
they just never happen in reality, and in truth while I am sure you love your coins ; if a fire hits your safe afterwards your going to have 50 other more immediate things to deal with than coins.
Think bed / refrigerator and new toothbrush etc.
also house burglars are not a common thing either but of course far more common than a fire or flood.
I myself would get a safety deposit box and place half of my valuable or at risk stuff in it.
Then every 2 months visit it and do a change out. swap over coins you want again at home for a while.
Just my to cents worth , Regards ...
just do not fill your SDB with junk like insurance policies or baby photos,that trash can stay in the house ... ;)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I store a little ammo inside along with whatever ammo is loaded in the guns as well, the coins are in either tupperware tubs with desiccant packs or locked pelican cases (both airtight). I don't worry about them as I have learned over the years to simply check on them every now and again, at least twice a year I will inspect everything closely. I suppose some cheaper safes could have an outgassing issue from paint or carpet inside, I doubt very much it's from any chemicals in the fireproof retardant which would be inside the lining of metal walls. I've shared this video in several threads here and I think it's always a good one when safes are brought up, more on the gun side, but all the points apply to us as well for the security of a safe. http://goccf.com/t/138498&whichpage=2#1261506"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
As I understand it, fire resistant safes have a fire rating, based on the temperature and time that they are exposed to. A bit like a fire code rating standard for buildings, against which they are designed and constructed.
Such a safe may have a fire rating sticker or label attached to it. (if it hasn't been peeled or fallen off)
If not, ask the manufacturer or supplier, stating when made and any other relevant details.
It is possible that the safe may have an ASTM** number stamped into it somewhere.
Chinese made safes may totally disregard this.
** American Society for Testing and Materials.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
What is the recommendation for the best place to store these coins so they won't get damaged at all? At my house  |
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Valued Member
Canada
153 Posts |
Just Carl coming in for the laughs!
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Moderator
United States
189340 Posts |
He will be here all week! But the Evening show is completely different!  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
The safe won't damage the coins anywhere near what would happen if they were left unprotected in a fire. Actually if left right in the open, then in case of a fire you could simply grab them and run. Quote:
in truth house fires are extremely rare ! Quote:
also house burglars are not a common thing either but of course far more common than a fire or flood. Obviously you do not live in the Chicago area. IF you really think those are rare, move to the Chicago area for a while. |
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Replies: 14 / Views: 12,752 |
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Posted 09/14/2015 05:00 am
