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 Replies: 34 / Views: 10,536 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1295 Posts |
...Is it a safe way to store them? I want to protect my collection from fires, leaks, and burglars, however I'm not sure if it harms the coins?
I've read some online reviews that say some safes have moisture issues. As summer humidity approaches, I could just see moisture getting sealed in there with my coins and getting droplets on them, which would be awful. Maybe it wouldn't be a problem if I stored the coins next to plenty of Silica Gel packs? I'd love to here everyone's experiences with this.
Are some safes better than others for moisture issues? Which, in your experience, are best suited for the storage of coins? I'm looking for something in the size range of around 15" wide, at least 14" deep, and at least 18-19" high (measurements on the inside).
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Moderator
 United States
187702 Posts |
Whether it is a safe or safety deposit box, you have to assume the worst even though it may provide the best.
So when it comes to moisture, assume it is there and protect your assets. Use moisture absorbers and add additional layers of protection; as BadThad would say, Mo(re) Layer, Mo(re) Better! For example, putting albums in zipper storage bags that are placed inside larger zipper storage bags (with a moisture absorber in each bag).
Remember, moisture absorbers do not last forever. If they are doing their job, they will need to be swapped out.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9155 Posts |
What ever size you are thinking go bigger, you will be surprised how fast it will fill up.
Like jbuck said use desiccant bags they are a silica gel and absorbed the moisture.
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Pillar of the Community
872 Posts |
Go to Home Depot online and look at their safes. I bought one from them which was refrigerator size. It cost less than direct from the manufacturer, and it shipped free. The guy dropped it right on the doorstep.
I bought a gun safe and have modified the inside to my liking. It has a USB and Power cord input. You could put a small dehumidifier in there I suppose, but I have not had an issue with moisture yet. Condensation will happen if there is a drastic change in temperature.
I suggest buying BIG, over a small one. Why ? Most people outgrow safes and end up with 2,3 or even 4+ safes. All those could be carried out. I'd like to see them carry this beast. If they can, they can have it.
Edited by Collector-Corner
05/08/2014 7:46 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1234 Posts |
Quote:
If they can, they can have it.  They wouldn't make any profit after the hernia operation |
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
You can go ahead and get a little sentry safe. It won't do well in a fire if its filled with paperwork. But metal coins would be fine. Safes and lockboxes are fire rated to last a certain time in fires.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3540 Posts |
Remove the carpet lining and add a layer of concrete board. This will at least double the time on the fire rating, if not more. Use the original lining - as it is not just plain carpet - also fire resistant.
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
That's a great idea acloco.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12815 Posts |
Also, remember that many loss-prevention safes, while fireproof for a certain time, are most likely not waterproof or even water resistant. So if the safe gets caught in a fire and the sprinkler system goes off or the fire department shows up, the safe will likely be bathed in water and steam, which will pulp any paper in the safe and generally wreak havoc therein.
I bought my large safe with that in mind, so I also have a small fireproof Sentry safe box in there as well for passports, birth certs, cash, high-dollar coins and such. Not much room in the Sentry but I think it's prudent since it has a gasket that's meant to keep water out. One can only hope that's enough but at some point you can spend way more than your valuables/collection are worth protecting it, so you have to weigh cost/benefit.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12815 Posts |
I just re-read your original post and wanted to comment a little more on the moisture concern.
A lot of higher-end safes come with moisture reduction systems. Some require wall power, some are battery-powered. I don't live in a particularly humid climate and my house is almost always air conditioned, so a basket full of silica gel desiccant packs in the safe is enough for my needs. I always save those packs when I get them from a new pair of shoes, a hard drive package, or wherever and just toss those little packets in a wire basket in the back of my safe. As jbuck mentioned, they don't last forever if they're doing their job and occasionally need to be replaced or "freshened up".
Also I re-read the dimensions of your desired safe. While reasonable for a small collection, the usable space will be consumed rapidly. Probably a good start if you're not sure you'll always be a collector, but you WILL fill that up quickly with just a few mint sets and a Dansco or 5. What you've described is about 2 cubic feet. If that's what's in your budget, so be it. Select your safe-worthy pieces carefully and BOLT it to the floor otherwise a small safe like that is very easy to take off with and has a high ratio of value/density. (All safes should be bolted to the floor wherever possible.)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
567 Posts |
I had a fireproof safe once. I moved the coins out of it into a bigger safe up on the second story and left the empty fireproof safe in the basement (I didn't feel like lugging it out). Glad I did move the coins because we had a flood and the basement flooded with two feet of water. Fireproof safes are not floodproof.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12815 Posts |
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...I moved the coins out of it into a bigger safe up on the second story... That's a good move for both flood purposes and anti-theft purposes. But for fire purposes it may not be the best. As a fire burns the house, it weakens the wood structure and the heavy safe could eventually crash into the basement where it would sit in steamy embers/coals for hours or longer. There's no 100% correct answer. It all depends on your needs and environment. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
and the heavy safe could eventually crash into the basement where it would sit in steamy embers/coals for hours or longer. Or into a basement full of water from fighting the fire! Safes work best bolted down to a reinforced concrete floor. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
This subject has come up many times in the past. There are both good and bad about a safe. One thing is to know that when delivered, every one that is nosey will see it. Those will start spreading stories about all you millions stored in that. And when and if you move, think about the cost of having one moved too. Think of the fun of bolting it to a floor or wall. Think of how your going to hide it since everyone that comes over could see it. Yes they are good for somethings but remember a gun to your head or a family member will open it anyway. Then there is the moisture problem too. And yes a fire proof one is good but remember that metal gets hot. Maybe hot enough to melt any plastic inside. Those plastic slides on Albums, plastic rolls, etc. all melting all over your coins.
Think I'll stick to a safe deposit box at a bank.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8515 Posts |
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12815 Posts |
There are risks no matter where you keep your valuables. Always be vigilant.
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Replies: 34 / Views: 10,536 |
Posted 05/08/2014 1:36 pm
