I currently store my slabs in zip-lock freezer bags in my safe deposit box. I'm considering getting a few Intercept Shield boxes to use, either in conjunction with the plastic bags or without. I'd have to get the 2x2 boxes and simply let them not close fully because the larger, slabbed-sized boxes won't fit. Any thoughts? Do you think Intercept Shield boxes would provide a legitimate increase in protection, either with or without bags? Is there anything harmful about the bags themselves?
I don't know what's in the zip-lock freezer bags but I'd ask the manufacturer for some product data just to know what exactly is in them before using them. If there's PVC in the plastic, you're better off not using them. The intercept shield slab boxes come with individual slab covers that are made of the same material. So you get protection from the slab which is not completely impervious but about as air-tight as you can expect. Then a IS cover that it slides into with an open window in the front so you can still read the label. Then they go into the IS box. Then that goes into the SDB, which itself is another layer of protection. I'd get a large, re-chargeable bag of Silica-gel to thow in the SDB with everything, and check it every couple of months. This is far more protection than coins got in the 19th century. Probably far more than they got in all of the 20th century. It's hard to do much more for them. I don't know but being encased in plastic bags 24/7 might do more harm than good.
About 6 years ago, I contacted the makers of ZipLoc bags and was told that they do not contain PVC. Chris
Thanks, Chris, that's a big help! Thanks for the post. Good idea about silica gel. I didn't know the IS slab boxes also have individual sleeves for each slab, which sounds good. Unfortunately that size box won't fit in my current SDB. I knew that plastic was not impervious to air exchange—hence the whole rationale of IS—but the rate of exchange is, to my understanding, glacier-slow. With slab protection, the added protection of plastic bags, and the fact that banks are constantly climate-controlled, I wonder how much added protection the IS system offers. Has IS ever published figures about its effectiveness? At any rate I suppose it's a cheap price to pay for peace of mind.
All "overkill" IMO. The ziplock freezer bag stuff that is. The amount of air which can circulate thorugh a coin slab is simply miniscule and not nearly enough to cause any damage to a slabbed coin. I mean, think about it. PCGS and NGC have been around for better than 25 years and if slabbed coins were really susceptible to the kind of things you folks with your ziplocks are trying to prevent, do you suppose folks would still be submitting coins for slabbing? If your trying to avoid milk spots on SAE's you can forget it since its whats on the COIN that causes this problem and all the zip locks in the world aren;t going to prevent it. I just don't understand this paranoia associated with storing slabbed coins.
Are you storing anything in the box that might have acid or sulfur in it? Some paperwork that people keep in boxes can release corrosive gases.
I do not think that Intercept Shield slab boxes are availble now. Dicussion on other boards that suppliers do not have them available. Will also note that any food safe container can not contain PVC so snap lock food containers with slabs and silca gell are a option for use too.
I just bought a NGC plastic box with lid. It holds 24 slabbed coins. I store some of my valuable slabbed coins in the NGC box placed in a SD box which is in a climate controlled vault. Some of the slabs are in small zip lock bags in the NGC box. I believe this is about as good as it gets. If you're concerned about storage beyond what is reasonable you might check with the Smithsonian in DC. Ask how they store their coin collections. I suspect they don't do anymore then I do. Maybe they use silica gel packs.
Paranoia sounds a bit strong; you made your point with "overkill." I use ziplock bags in my SD box anyway, for organization and transport (a carryover from my backpacking days). If they add more protection, all the better. True, there is little air exchange through slabs, but there is some, which is the point of considering more protection. Good point. No exposed paperwork in my box, just a few Special Mint Sets, etc. Sounds like a good, thorough system. I'm not looking for anything beyond this. I do wonder, though, how much more protection the Intercept Shield system is going to offer beyond slabs, ziplock bags and a climate-controlled bank vault, esp. if there is no fugitive paper around. Thanks for all the comments.
I wonder what replies would be received to a post requesting images of coins that were slabbed years ago or placed in flips years ago? One of the auctions I regularly attend is kind of "high end" sometimes lots of coins. Some of these items are clearly old placed in slabs years ago however they all look great. I don't know how they were stored all those years but I don't believe anything was done besides climate control and maybe SDB, if that. Your thread motivated me to post a related question: coin toning/tarnish.
To me that's the only way to go , haven't had a coin change where I could notice in 5 years . But I do use IS 2X2s and put my slabs in there individual slabboxes then inside a larger box that holds ten slabs . Now I wonder who told me about IS products Mike ?
Seems like overkill, but I once had somebody interested in a pricey coin I had graded by PCGS. The sale didnt go through because he didnt like a scratch that was on the holder! Since then I try to take better care of my slabs and keep them in NGX boxes.
You can make a 2x2 box or slab box that functions like the Intercept product by cutting a piece of thin copper sheeting that will cover the top and about 1 in. down the sides ( will have a tab shape at each end). Abrade the inside of the sheet until it is bright and shines, then fold and push/glue into the inside of the part that forms the lid. Now the copper will react with corrosive gases and you can see when it needs replacement ( unlike the original), or renewing by re-abrading the copper and put it back again.
I've had scratched slabs used as a way to ask for a better price, but never have I had someone walk away from a higher dollar coin over such a minor issue. If anything, chances are that he really was not that interested, but just for future reference, you may want to buff out any scratches before offering a coin, especially if you think they could effect a sale. It is not that difficult to do and you may surprised by the results.
Good idea. A simple way to try to due similar would simply put some "fresh" silver in the box, (one on each end where air could come in), and check periodically. If its toning, at least you know it will take the hit before your coins will, and you can replace it, (and find the source of the toning). "Sacrificial silver" I call it. Make sure its FRESH, like newly minted. Those attract oxidants the best. Just another idea for lazy people like me.
Realizing that this is an old thread, I just saw this particular reply to which I'll state: I think you would be very surprised at what the Smithsonian does with its coins. Either with protecting them or with "cleaning" them. Yes, there have been cases of coins which were physically "cleaned" at the Smithsonian and with harsh abrasives. Unfortunately coin storage was not their strong suit.
