First I'd like to preface this thread by saying, I'm a low budget collector. I don't think I own a coin worth more than $50 or so. I own zero gold, I have some silver but most of it is modern bullion coins and kept in my safe. So with that out of the way, I've been thinking lately of a way to store and also easily view some of my coins, especially those that end up in air-tite holders and the like (I know, they're not actually air tight). As you might have guess by my first sentence, I'm looking for an inexpensive solution, but not so cheap that it loses all appeal. I'm looking for ideas, suggestions, and things to watch out for. I found a couple of great threads here, I think both in the ancients section with some very nice cabinets that people have found and converted or restored. I'd like to do something similar, find a piece of furniture or some type of large jewelry box maybe, and repurpose it. My first thought was a machinists' toolbox, only because I used to do some machining, but I no longer have one and any used one may be riddled with oils and grease. What are some good ideas to watch out for or use. I'm ok with doing some woodworking. Lastly, even though my collection is on the cheap side and largely modern, I'd still like to avoid things that will ruin my coins. I realize anything that out gasses has potential to affect them and I accept that, I just don't want to buy or use something that will make them look awful in a hurry. PS - sorry for the long post, I get carried away
How about one of the old wooden sewing machine cabinets? With some woodworking, you could turn it into what you're looking for. And they can usually be found in decent condition. Another option is one of the old upright Victrola cabinets.
Another vote for an old piece of quality furniture that you could convert. I see constant listings on FB marketplace of gorgeous old furniture that is practically given away here in the north east.
I have seen old roll top desks changed over for coin storage. Old wood is better but that can be tough to do. To be honest, I'm not a fan of using wood for coin storage.
Oh sewing machine cabinet, hadn't thought of that one for sure. I'd definitely prefer to go with old wood, I'm not overly concerned with it because as I said I dont' have anything of great value and I can stick a couple 1 gram art bars in there or something just to keep an eye on what's happening. I just wasn't sure what to search for. We also have a ReStore not too far away maybe I can browse there. A secretary desk would be cool too.
