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 Replies: 18 / Views: 3,750 |
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Valued Member
United States
171 Posts |
Hey guys! I have been using a Sentry Fire Safe for over 5 years for coin storage. These safes are notorious for having moisture problems. However I have never had such issues; I air out my safe once per week and use 40 grams of silica gel. But I have become kind of paranoid about moisture and have moved all my coins out of the safe. I now keep them in Sterilite PVC-free plastic storage bins. I was also running out of space in my safe. My collection value does not exceed $2,000. Do you think a safe is really necessary for my coins?  I keep the storage bins, along with albums and slab boxes, on a shelf in my closet. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
In a moist environment, you may have more of a problem with risk of rust to the springs in the lock,
than the threat to the coins themselves.
Is there a possibility that you can move your safe to a less moist environment within your dwelling?
Still use your safe, just put you coins in clip lock polyethylene bags size to meet your own requirements.
Just include small packets of silica gel in the cliplock bags.
Just make sure that the lock mechanism is regularly. lubricated with WD40 or similar, to inhibit rust of the springs.
My safe is very small, and so only the most valuable coins are stored in it.
The vast bulk of my collection is a working collection, often referred to, and thus a safe for me presents some inconveniences
Edited by sel_69l
11/02/2020 04:45 am
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
7940 Posts |
Quote:
Do you think a safe is really necessary for my coins? Only you can determine that. To some people, $2,000 invested in a hobby is an enormous amount, and they want the peace of mind to know it is safe. To others, it may just be another possession, worth far less than other things they have lying around around the house (jewelry, electronics, antiques, etc.) I like what @sel said about his approach |
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Valued Member
 United States
171 Posts |
My safe is already in a dry environment. The moisture comes from the insulation inside the safe. Sentry Safes have a concrete insulation that acts as a sponge for water vapor. this insulation releases moisture in a fire to cool the interior. Under normal use, the insulation can leach out some moisture. The safe is also air-tight, so moisture from the outside can get trapped inside the confined space of the safe.
It doesn't matter how dry the environment is that you store the safe in, you still have to be careful about moisture. As I said, I have not had issues, I've just become somewhat paranoid recently.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
The topic of using safes for coins has come up many times. I dislike the use of any safes due to they really are not intended to protect coins from humidity. Also, during a fire they get hot and tend to melt anything plastic.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
999 Posts |
If you regularly air them out and use silica packs that you reactivate when needed, you should be fine. If you stay in this hobby, the value of your collection may grow substantially as you add things. To me, safes provide more piece of mind than having your collection out in the "open", but provide a lot more accessibility than at a bank safety deposit box.
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Valued Member
United States
171 Posts |
My safe is certified to protect cds and dvds, if that means anything.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1723 Posts |
What's a CD?   |
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Pillar of the Community
1110 Posts |
Quote:What's a CD? Compact Disc. You must still be using 8 tracks!  Quote:
Do you think a safe is really necessary for my coins? I think that depends on your neighborhood.  |
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Moderator
 United States
188440 Posts |
Certificate of Deposit?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
Quote:
Certificate of Deposit?  When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
Quote:
Do you think a safe is really necessary for my coins? Depends upon your family. Usually loose lips sink ships. When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Valued Member
United States
345 Posts |
Large box type desiccants are available for your safe.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
581 Posts |
Bought a Sentry fire and waterproof safe. About 2.4 cubic ft interior capacity and combination lock. I love it.
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Moderator
United States
188440 Posts |
Excellent! |
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Valued Member
United States
143 Posts |
It sounds like you have a variety of storage methods in mind - I've been really impressed with corrosive-resistant bags + silica gel packets, kept in a locked room. Peace of mind is key for whatever you own :)
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Replies: 18 / Views: 3,750 |
Posted 11/02/2020 07:55 am
