Options
Is dessicant OK in a safe deposit box with coins?
topstuf
Posts: 14,803 ✭✭✭✭✭
The dessicant packs like they use in optic stuff.
Don't know the composition but think it should be okay.
Why don't we have a QUESTION smiley?
1
Comments
uhhhh.....thanks.
How about lacquering the slabs?
....kidding
If they are silica based desiccants as most are, they're only as good as the effort you put into keeping them dehydrated. They're hygroscopic (moisture absorbing) but they do have a capacity, which when exceeded will leave them ineffective. The commercially available desiccants for the hobby are usually the clear silica crystals that gradually turn a deep pink - violet when at absorption capacity. The packets in the metal canister can be placed in an oven to dehydrate when necessary.
it's hilarious how hammer1 has given me almost all of my 46 "disagree" reactions, but not one single rebuttal. Nothing.
Troll much ?
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
Important question.
Gonna get me a $50 Octagonal someday. Some. Day.
Do not buy a calcium chloride based product like Damp Rid. These absorb water from the air and make a salt brine in the container. A bad thing in an enclosed space with valuables.
I have used silica gel based products for years with no problems at all. I have two sets - one is always in the SD box and the other is home where I "recharge" it in the oven and swap them out every 6 months or so. At my bank I only have to swap them every six months but your conditions may be better or worse. Just swap them out when the indicator turns pink.
Here is a link to the ones I have used.
amosadvantage.com//product.asp?category=CISSUP&part%5Fno=ACC195&find%5Fcategory=WEB%5FALL&find%5Fdescription=&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc=silica+gel
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
Still need to be concerned with the outer packaging of the Dessicant, should be inert, no sulffer woven bag, maybe a Tedlar or foil type? Also, maybe ziplock your coins inside a Mylar/Tedlar bag instead of the typical plastic ziplock bag inside the safe deposit metal box. Moisture is all throughout the room so the Mylar bag helps. Don't firget to insert the humidity indicator cards and then monitor from time to time. This is what I used in the past, maybe there is better now-a-days?
Enjoyed numismatic conversations with Eric P. Newman, Dave Akers, Jules Reiver, David Davis, Russ Logan, John McCloskey, Kirk Gorman, W. David Perkins...
Also, one should obtain hi barrier Mylar ziplock bags in lieu of low barrier style. In addition add a oxygen absorber can be added inside. Do not attempt to vacuum the bag as it renders the contents less effective since this can isolate the contents from the Dessicant.
Enjoyed numismatic conversations with Eric P. Newman, Dave Akers, Jules Reiver, David Davis, Russ Logan, John McCloskey, Kirk Gorman, W. David Perkins...
I have used the silica gel desiccants in my safe for forty one years without issue... Cheers, RickO
If all your coins are slabbed is any of this an issue ?
I obtain LARGE desicant packs from a friend who works at a Harley-Davidson dealership. (new bikes are shipped in a reusable plastic crate)
The packs are about as long as a loaf of bread, and half as thick, weighs at least 2 pounds.
I keep them in a large safe, they last a VERY long time before needing dehydrated.
Perhaps you may inquire at a motorcycle shop near you.
I have used silica gel in safety dep. box for many years. I just change the packs out once in a while.
Never had any issues with moisture.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
There are so many schools of thought on this. Over many years I've heard it's ok, but also if the container isn't air tight the desiccant will draw moisture into the container from the outside, so on, so on...
I finally gave up and stopped bothering with it and have had no problems. I do however like Intercept products. I'm more concerned about chemical reactions than moisture.