Winter time is collection management season. I begin the long slow & systematic process of breaking open some proof sets for the individual denominational coin albums (in Lighthouse Quadrum Intercept 2x2 snaps tites) and some sets for preservation. The ultimate goal is sets/individual proof coins based around the PCGS 1936-Present list as a guide. I've been picking up pre-1936 classic design proofs (and key dates) for several years...smartly working from both ends of the timeline. At age 64 I intend this to me a project for my remaining lifetime Existing proof sets are temporarily stored in bulky unstackable metal bank lock boxes but I need something standardized. Does anyone use the Lighthouse Intercept Proof Set storage boxes or have opinions of them? They are not large holding maybe 24 sets and priced about $1 per set or ~ $24 per box unless I stock up during seasonal LH or other vendor sales Other options on the market appear as minimally improved and uneven quality glorified shoe boxes. I've been real pleased with the Lighthouse-brand products; are there any comparable options or ideas on the market for proof set storage? Thanks for any opinion, advice or experience.
I only have a handful of proof sets from when I collected the state quarters (have slowly sold some as silver has been increasing). I did not use anything fancy though-just some metal or wooden boxes left over from cookie/candy packaging. I like the look of those lighthouse boxes but I personally would find them too pricey for most modern proof or silver proof sets. Considering some of those non-silver proof sets are under $10 each and some under $5 each, one box costs the same as one could spend buying 2-4 sets.
I bought several of these from JP's Corner a few years ago and have no complaints. Unfortunately, they are listed as sold out and I can't find them anywhere else. [edit] they are called Guardhouse black proof set boxes and other vendors do carry them, about $7
I'm currently using the Guardhouse red narrow boxes for 2x2's and these are serving nicely to hold my Lighthouse Quadrum snaps until they get into albums...In fact I'd purchased a case of these some years back. I found the Guardhouse web site and their re-sellers. If their black proof storage boxes are of the same quality the price is attractive and looks like a winner. Thanks!
In my opinion Intercept Shield products provide the best protection you can get. But, you should always remove the sets from the cardboard packaging and only store the hard plastic cases holding the coins in the Intercept Shield products. Storing cardboard or paper inside Intercept Shield products defeats the very purpose of the Intercept Shield because you're putting the very things (paper and cardboard) that are harmful to coins inside the protective barrier. You can store the outer cardboard boxes and any other paper products like COA in any ordinary cardboard box.