Nothing like a good old wooden cigar box to produce some dandy mischief with the coins contained therein..........
If you HAVE to use wood, real mahogany is best. Preferably older stock. This is what the coin cabinets of the 18th century were made out of.
I've kept my collection in an old wooden machinist's chest for about 25 years now and haven't had any problems. Granted, it was probably 25 years old (if not older) when I bought it and any oils/fumes etc. had dissipated by the time I started using it.
While results may vary, I would not store my coins in wood. It doesn't matter how new or old it is, wood outgasses either by decomposition and or agents used to treat it. Additionally, it will absorb moisture and release it depending on the conditions/temperature.
Guess that means the redwood box HSN puts its hideously overpriced coins in turns around and ruins the coin.....
Best answer. Wood outgasses. It's well known that wood is not a good choice for coin storage. Why take the risk? Coins don't need a pretty box. They need safe storage.
I understand, but some people do want a pretty display piece. Knowing that, simply look at outgas rates by wood, and affects of other things applied to wood. If you look at it that way, certain woods like mahogany outgas at a much lower rate than others. Also, any kind of stain or preservative on the wood is also a horrible idea, as the outgas rate spikes with them. So, if it MUST be wood, choose a low outgas wood, and do not stain or use a coating like poly on it. Simple, natural, low outgas wood is not terribly dangerous for coins. Some medieval and ancient coins have been stored in such cabinets literally for centuries with little to no effects.
