I have run across an antique coin cabinet that I would like to restore and use as a means of storing my better unslabbed coins. Does anyone still use one of these? Any thoughts would be appreciated if this would be a good idea or not.
No experience from where I sit. I like the idea of restoring old furniture. But I don't like the idea of storing my coins in something that's not secure. I would also have concerns about storing coins in that type of environment, preservation wise. It would be cool to fill up all the pockets with below grade/circulated variety coins. Do you have a picture of it? Does it look anything like this?
It's not. There's a reason (several actually) that collectors, all but a very tiny number, stopped using coin cabinets long ago. Simply put they are harmful to coins. Wood itself, as well as the materials used for finishes, the glues, and the interior material, all put off gasses that harm coins.
Plus, the raw coin in the tray will tend to slide as the drawer is opened and closed, and then gradual slide marks or even wear will start to appear.
Coin cabinets can be really pretty pieces of furniture but that's all. They offer no security and are harmful to coins.
Putting the coin in any hard plastic holder works to prevent cabinet friction, but it does nothing to prevent the harmful gasses put off by the coin cabinet from harming your coin. No coin holder is airtight.
