Question for you: I have some raw coins in albums/tubes that I was going to put in a cedar lined chest. Will this damage them over time? or tone them? thanks.
What's your purpose in putting them in a cedar-lined chest? Are you trying to tone them? If you're hoping they'll remain untouched, then I'd say it's a poor choice. The coins likely will tone at a faster rate than if they were not exposed to the wood and various glues, etc., but the toning will be unpredictable. They could turn out really ugly. I personally wouldn't keep them in such an environment.
Some cigar boxes come cedar lined. Sometimes you look for a cheap storage medium and up pops the local tobacco store selling some real nice wooden cigar boxes for $1.50. If what you are saying about these wooden boxes is true I may have to rethink my options....
It's true, all woods emit acidic gasses, especially aromatic woods like cedar. And the effects on coins are not always pleasing. Storage in or near wood is strongly not recommended.
I agree, wood may not be the best storage medium. And especially keep coins away from lam woods, such as particle board. The glues in them are even worse. Guy~
Cedar, rose wood and mahogany are OK. I'd recommend putting uncirculated coins in plastic capsules to prevent cabinet friction. I personally quite like the medium/dark toning which develops on silver coins- this sort of dark grey is what to expect in the long run : http://www.ancientarmeniancoins.com/images/cilician_coins/levon/levon2-silver-4012.jpg http://www.palimpalem.com/1/martiacoins/userfiles/marcian1.jpg
I'm glad I read this, I have a bunch of odds&ends coins in cedar cigar boxes. I always heard cedar wouldn't harm coins in any way...
Maybe it depends on the type of cedar. I do know this, we had red cedar cut to line our walls in out Utah house, none of it treated, as cedar is bug resistant, and within two years it turned our brass light fixtures a green/blue. It looks great, but I'd be afraid to trust it to coins. Guy~
I don't know about unc coins, I would imagine the cedar would have an affect on them. However, I've been throwing circulated silver coins, Indians and buffalos in a small cedar box for about 20 years and just checked them. They look like they did when I threw them in.
Do some reading on coin cabinets Jerome. You'll find out that even centuries ago collectors knew about the harmful properties of wood. But one of your recommendations has some merit - mahogany. You will find that most coin cabinets were and are made of mahogany because it is the least harmful of the woods.
Actually your choice of Cedar for storage of coins is a great, wonderful, fantastic idea. Using Cedar is a well know type of substance that wards off Moths. This would indicate that no Moths will attack your coins. Even many other insects don't like Cedar and some Cedar is treated with additional preservatives that also ward off Spiders, Bees, Wasps, etc. making your coins completely safe from the attack of almost any insect or many other life forms. :thumb: On a great way to save coins from living creatures. HOWEVER, remember that the reason Cedar wards off so many creatures is the fumes given off from Cedar. Ever hang a Cedar block in your closet? Ever smell the clothing after that? OH, those fumes on coins? Guess what? Not to good for metal either. I'm afraid gasses of almost any type can and do attack metals. Summation: Not a good place for coins.
Carl, you're definitely referring to bugs like Edgar, right? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dndbW4kF-fE
