If some coins are in a case with silk lining and kept in a controlled safe with a humidifier, is there a chance of damage?
Howdy coinokie, how are things down in Oklahoma this spring? Now for the storage of your coins. As sure as I tell you they should be safe, just the way you have them now, they will develope some kind of discoloration. I can only tell you that no matter how they are stored its not 100% sure. The main thing would be as CoinSwede say, you got to keep them dry and away from any humidity. Now lets hope that works.
wet ones Well not to bad round here, bout 65 with oh say a good 25 mile hr. breeze. Gona get cool tonite bout 33-34, typical. I have and electric bar heater in side the safe to keep the humidity down but I will look around for some silica gel. Use to use alot of it at the phone co. to keep splices dry. Will the silk cause damage to the coins?
To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure. I know the coins we had were layed out on trays having a velvet lining, and then each coin was laid on a layer of surgical cotton padding. We never experienced any problems over some 80 to 85 years all togather. The major portion of the collection has now been transfered and is housed in individual holders, or so I have been told. One of these days I'll go and look and see what they have done with them. I'll keep you posted.
I don't know that I would be concerned with the actual silk in the case...however the glue that is used to adhere it to the trays would make me nervous due to the possible gases it could be emitting. The only way to know for sure is to wait and see...personally it's not a risk I'D be willing to take.
Dies and chemicals in certain materials can "bleed" on to your coins and cause either a beautiful "natural" toning or a something that literally can destroy the value of a coin. I wouldn't mess with a material unless it is inert, acid-free, coin safe, and has decent track record. Keep them at room temperature and dry!!