Researching a safe...

I did a search and found several previous threads about picking a safe, but I didn't really see anything addressing if there was anything to avoid or be cautious about that could damage coins. I won't be storing guns or anything non-coin related in the safe. I know some fire-proof/resistant safes can off-gass. I plan to put several of the rechargable silica packs in the safe for moisture control.

Anything else I need to be aware of as far as the composition of the safe or safety (damage) to my coins?

Thanks!

 

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Amazon has hygrometers super cheap. I put one in the safe to monitor the humidity.

Be prepared to recharge the silica packs often.

 

I bought one of these for humidity control ==> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H0XFC...UTF8&colid=3KP6I41S7YGJR&coliid=IM6JLXYIYCNUQ

Also, make sure you select a safe that would accommodate (if you like to collect) multiple times growth in your collection.

 

I have 2 of those in my current storage solution. I think a hygrometer would be a good idea too.

 

The safe company we are working with offers Gardall, Browning, and Amsec products. Any of those we should avoid, or concentrate on?

 

I like Gardall.
Amsec good too
I've never looked at Browning.

I have a hygrometer - from target. I just put it different places from time to time but I use it to identify when my humidity gets too low in the house and then bring it up (no static clothes, dust in the air, etc).

 

Be sure and have the safe mounted to the floor.

 

Definitely planning to do that...

 

How much do these safes weigh? I can imagine they'd have to weigh at least a few hundred pounds so to prevent thieves from walking off with it.

 

That's the reason they get mounted to the floor. When mounted to a concrete floor properly a small and light 60lb small safe becomes very difficult to move. At that point a thief will attempt to open a safe.

 

Our house is on a slab so it should be able to be bolted right to the concrete...

 

I would not use a safe which has any "felt, rubber , wood, etc." that can out gas unknown compounds. Also put a schedule on it to check and possible replace or recycle desiccation chemicals. Once saturated,. they become a reservoir of water and water vapor. Collectors think , I will be opening the safe all of the time, so that won't happen, but life often interferes.

 

Those are great tips...

If I put a hygrometer in the safe, what range should i try and keep it under? Or does it depend on the outside humidity in the home?

 

depends how sealed the safe is as to whether the home humidity is also the safe humidity.

 

It's a constant battle, but the best I usually do is about 20%.

 

Don't forget that paper ( money) needs some humidity to preserve since it is an organic.

 

I was thinking about a 3 cu ft Sentry safe and bolting it. Any thoughts?

 

Depends on if you'll be putting anything besides coins in there. I have a 3 cu ft safe and could use another one now...

 

Depending which Sentry.
If you learn about how to break into a safe you'll find many safes are simply inadequate even for a moderate thief, even if bolted which sometimes makes it easier.

 

There is not a Sentry safe I would put coins in. Great for paper or jewelry but not coins.