What is the best container to store coins?

1. wood box.
2. plastic box.
3. metal box/tin?

 

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metal box







in a bank vault

 

Safe deposit box! I have my collection in a stainless steel air tight case in the bank's safe box!

 

Depends on what you are accomplishing with your storage method. Sealed in a Tupperware type box helps to protect against the elements. But does nothing for security. My coins that aren't at the banks safe deposit box are bagged in a zip lock type back. Then placed in a Tupperware box. Then they rest securely in a safe.

 

What sort of stuff do you have?

If you are storing spare change and wheat cents, a ziploc bag in a tupperware container will be just fine.

If you are storing something valuable, a safe would be better, or a bank deposit box - but those are expensive.

Whatever storage method you choose, you want to make sure that the gasses from the material will not harm your coins. So, for example, anything wooden or made from natural materials like velvet will tend to release gasses which will change your coins. Anything made from food-grade plastic will be safe for coins (ziploc, tupperware, etc), or anything metal (if it is painted, be aware that the paint may release gasses).

You can also buy archival quality storage methods from coin supply stores, made especially for storing coins.

The method you choose, and the expense you spend, should be scaled to the value of whatever you are storing.

 

I had surprising success by accident just using old (plastic) 35mm film containers.
The largest coin you can get in there are quarters, and I do live in a low humidity environment, but the coins did not tone for 20+ years stored that way.

 

I read somewhere that the little silicon packets, that come in packages of a lot of things, are good to keep with your coins to control moisture. They can be bought in bulk online.

 

Except if you buy the kind that cannot be recharged, then they have a short life span. Once they absorb moisture they need to be replaced. In a high humid place that could literally be days. So buy the type that can be recharged.

I have a larger rechargeable unit in my safe. and small packets in each categorized container. All rechargeable (can be dried and reused).

 

What do you mean by “best”? Are you looking for security and safety? Or to prevent oxidation/toning? Or something else?

 

It depends on whether you live in the southeastern U.S., or the southwestern U.S. Humidity and heat are two of the killers for metal.

 

First, I want to keep the quality of the coin.

 

First, I want to keep the quality of the coin.

 

I live in Hawaii and it’s very humid here, I’m desperately trying to find out the best way to store and keep my coins dry without having to keep a dehumidifier plugged in day and night, maybe an airtight safe or Tupperware container with silicon packages? Any suggestions.

 

My one safe is "airtight" including the lock hole. I do this not just for "air" but once in a great while it floods here.

But you don't need a 24hr plugged electric dehumidifier. you get these handheld size rechargeable units


I use one of these in the main safe.

I then put my contents into tupperware type containers
each tupperware container contains a rechargeable silica such as this:



I also include a 3M antitarnish strip.

it might be "overkill" but last thing I want is a flood to contaminate everything. Last flood happened in 2013 and my discharge units keep the water under a foot (neighbors basement up the hill was up to 5 ft deep) .. so just making sure.

 

@physics-fan3.14, you mentioned in the post above that wood and velvet will affect coins. A few years back I bought a velvet from a firm which made it for storing silver jewelry and tableware, treated to prevent/resist tarnishing. Wouldn't that be acceptable for making display cases, even if the cases were made of wood?

I'm wondering if you or anyone else is aware of the out-gassing effect of the various newer finishes for wood, such as water-based polyurethane?

Steve

 

Steve, I'm not familiar with the effects of the finishes you mentioned. They may be perfectly fine - but I'd be hesitant to build cases without experimenting first. The finish may outgas, the velvet may outgas, and the wood may outgas. You've got a lot of things that could cause problems. Without actually testing the materials, I just couldn't say one way or another.

 

Wholly Jesus! And I was just going to ask as beginners, what did everyone use to seperate and store your coins? Then I read these replies and am just blown away by all of your expertise and thought processes! I'M NOT WORTHY! I'M NOT WORTHY!
I mean I have a couple hundred beginner coins, just pennies, wheat cents ,some silver quarters nickels and dimes and have stuff EVERYWHERE! Coins in sandwich baggies old pill bottles and empty cigarette packs, SHEESH!

 

here's one of many threads on CT about humidity control & containers
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/ho...midity-tips-for-cutting-down-humidity.330242/

 

Years ago, I collected a batch of typewriter ribbon tins. They seal tightly so to contain the moisture of the ribbon, and have worked to keep the coins dry. Some candy and food tins work for the same purpose. Over all, I use a heavy duty Steelcase filing cabinet. It is fire proof and is easy for organizing. I like the newer plastic snap enclosures for better items.

 

I store many of my ungraded coins in individual air-tite capsules -- especially those coins I want to preserve as best as possible.