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Long Term Storage of Slabs in Cardboard Boxes???
erwindoc
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I know they are not airtight, but would storage in a cardboard box in a cool and dry environment be detrimental to the coins?
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Aren’t the slabs supposed to protect them ? Of course not dunked underwater but the way you describe I would think for sure. Throw one of those silica bags in the box. How did they ever survive 200 years ago ?
Slabs can be challenged by heat, humidity, salt air. Coins can go bad in the holder. I have individuals at shows try dump their garbage (that went bad in the holder) on me at shows all the time - I just wave them off. For successful RCI - Quick turnover a must.
Just look them over 3-4 times per year. Keep an eye on them and that way you can catch anything that happens fast enough. I doubt anything will happen.
Just buy PCGS and NGC long boxes and you will be fine. They are cheap enough. Cardboard boxes may get affected long term if not in stored in a proper area. Why risk it for the price. At least fore your better coins I would use these or a bank safety deposit box. Or buy yourself a large enough home safe and get it bolted to the floor.
University Products makes quality archival storage boxes. They can be used to store PCGS/NGC/Intercept Shield boxes. Should be fine if kept in a cool, dry, stable environment.
Why use cardboard boxes. You could buy cheap plastic tubs w/lids the same size of the cardboard boxes you're talking about.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
Intercept shield boxes are cardboard.
IS boxes have the sacrificial layer between the cardboard layers.
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That is correct. However, that is for oxidation only and does nothing about other contaminants. Cardboard can be archival quality.
Excellent point. And, as I understand it, the Intercept boxes from Lighthouse are made of cardboard that is archival quality.
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Totally agree, however safes can also be so airtight that moisture can be trapped inside. I had mold on the outside holder of a coin inside a safe.
Key words here, "Cool, Dry, Stable environment" And "archival storage boxes". So, watch the temperatures, nothing too hot or humid or damp...cardboard doesn't seem to me to be too much of a problem, but even storing coins in a wooden box can be detrimental unless it's the right kind of wood like Mahogany or Maple...you need to avoid glue or chemicals...that's why you need archival cardboard if you're set on using cardboard.
How long had that coin been in your home safe? What type of holder was it in? Is you use saflips 100% Mylar and put them inside PCGS and NGC plastic long boxes I doubt that would be an issue. Or a step even further in side food grade zip lock bags.
I keep my slabs in the PCGS and NGC boxes, everything seems to stay stable.
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I remember it was my 2006 three coin gold set in it's OGP and I discovered it 6 years later...mold had appeared on the outer label and moved all the way to the box...coins were perfect, but I threw out everything with mold. I do live near the seashore, it's very damp and I didn't check on them frequently like you suggested. Funny, my other safe has just documents and a few random coins and I've never seen moisture trapped that one....dry as a whistle. I guess you really need to pay attention to how you store stuff and maybe research your choices as well. Here's what a quick search on Google said:
Some safes, especially fireproof and waterproof models, can trap moisture. This is due to their airtight design and the presence of moisture-retaining materials in the walls, which, while helpful in fires, can lead to moisture buildup and mold growth.
Here's why and what to do:
Why safes can trap moisture:
Airtight design:
Fireproof safes are designed to be airtight to protect contents from fire, but this also traps moisture inside.
Moisture-retaining materials:
Some safes use materials in their walls that retain moisture. While this is intended to prevent fire damage, it can lead to condensation and mold.
Condensation:
When a cold safe is brought indoors, it may experience condensation on the walls, further increasing the risk of moisture buildup.
Location:
Safes in humid areas or near water sources are more susceptible to moisture problems.
How to prevent moisture and mold:
Open the safe regularly:
Ventilating the safe, even for a short time, can help prevent moisture buildup.
Use desiccant packets:
These packets absorb moisture and help keep the safe dry, says Eva-Dry.
Consider a small dehumidifier.
I use SC Johnson freezer ziplock bags (made in the USA) they are made of polyethylene, dye and ink.
So they are PVC free. I put all my coins in 2 by 2 mylar's then inside these ziplock bags then inside my PCGS or NGC long boxes.
Give it a try ziplock bags are safe for coins (at least for silver coins like I collect I am not sure about copper).
AI answer:
Polyethylene (PE) is considered a PVC-free material. Polyethylene and polypropylene (PP) are among the materials that are often used as alternatives to PVC, which is known for containing chlorine
I’m not sure I understand. How do slabs inside ziplock bags fit into PCGS boxes? Can you elaborate or maybe add a photo?
Sorry it works for 2 by 2 mylars. If you buy big enough zip lock bags I think you can fit the boxes inside them (1 box per bag) just make sure they are OK for coins. For graded coins I just line them up in PCGS & NGC plastic boxes. You will need to buy some silica packs to control the humidity.
On amazon:
Product Dimensions 38.1W x 33H Centimetres
Best of luck!!!
Can someone back up one step for us not so familiar with the term 'slabs'. What is a slab?
"Slab" is a slang term for a plastic encapsulated coin by one of the grading services.
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