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 Replies: 16 / Views: 4,291 |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
I've been following this forum for a while before posting and looking into storing my collection. I've read a lot about zip lock bags to protect coins from humidity. Humidity is abundant here in Florida so I must have something to protect my coins. I've looked into the water tight boxes people use for boats such as to keep their phone and wallet in. It seems easy to stack and label the boxes as well. But are they safe for coins?  |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
 to CCF. Whatever method you choose you might want to look into using a desiccant. John1  |
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Valued Member
South Africa
453 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12839 Posts |
and  with John1 - a desiccant is a must! In my safe I have a wire basket into which I throw all the little silica gel packets I get in shoe boxes, electronics wrappers, etc. that I find. I live in Texas which is relatively dry compared to FL, so that may not be enough for you. But a few of them thrown in with those water tight boxes wouldn't hurt. edit: clarification Edited by CelticKnot
08/16/2014 11:48 am
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New Member
 United States
20 Posts |
Thanks everyone. I will definitely get some packets. (:
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I keep my coins in a Pelican case (in a safe) it's watertight with an O-ring seal, you could also get ammo cans that are watertight and probably much, much cheaper at the local army surplus store. Desiccant is a must as stated above, as is regularly checking on the coins especially in any high humidity storage area.
"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/140440Edited by westcoin
08/18/2014 03:53 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
with westcoin. I picked my Pelican case up a few years ago, used from someone who stored photgraphic equipment in. Edited by oih82w8
08/17/2014 4:55 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
However, remember that if an object is water proof, this not only means it keeps water out but also may keep moisture in. By that I mean every time you open such a container, you allow new moisture to get in. And too remember that any substance you include in such a container to absorb moisture, will eventually become saturated. This means it becomes useless and could even add more moisture to the area so it must be either rejuvenated or replaced. To many people put such items in safes and allow them to just get saturated. |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
Just Carl,
Wow. I didn't even think about that. But you're right. That makes sense. But if packets are in there like stated above it should be fine, right?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12839 Posts |
@Florida, just carl is saying that those desiccant packets can become saturated and become useless, so either regularly refresh your packets with new ones, or some folks dry them in a low-temp oven.
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
Does anyone buy the packets? I Googled what all the packets come in so I know where to look & found out there's pages that sell big packs of them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1745 Posts |
Water tight does not mean hermetic. The condition inside the water tight case will equalize to the surrounding environment (i.e. humidity). That is why desiccant packs are a must. And yes, they will become saturated over time, so consult the label for instructions.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Rectangular polyetylene school children's lunch boxes perhaps could suit the need. The ones I am familiar with have a rectangular rubber seal, with a clip lock to ensure a nominally waterproof seal.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
570 Posts |
I use a waterproof and fireproof safe. Throw some silica packets in it and it keeps the moisture out as well as protects against a fire. If you have the plastic containers make sure to put them in a safe just in case there is a fire.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
AND remember that once those are saturated, as a temperature rises, they begin to emit some of the moisture. This means a saturated moisture absorbing substance can become a real problem in an enclosed container. Some, not all, when they start to emit moisture, they also emit some of the moisture absorbing substances.
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Valued Member
United States
105 Posts |
Nice discussion. I looked at Pelican cases before deciding that the $16.25 Flambeau 6189WP waterproof box (with a corrosion inhibiting polymer molded into it) would suit my purpose just fine. It is great for organizing and storing encapsulated coins and 2x2s. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Flambeau-...ner/36155623 |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 4,291 |
Posted 08/16/2014 07:41 am
