I just came across this conversation, and since RENEGADE320 mentioned my name, I thought I'd chime in.....
First rule on
buying a cabinet, if you decide to go that route, is to buy one made from mahogany. For at least two centuries, mahogany has been the
wood of
choice. There are lots of cabinets and trays that state "mahogany
finish". But that usually means that they have been stained a mahogany color. More than likely the
wood used in their constructions is not mahogany, but most likely a cheaper species. And yes, mahogany is expensive.
And while there are a few other
types of
wood that are also relatively safe for storing coins (e.g., cherry, walnut and rosewood), these are also relatively expensive and except perhaps for cherry, would not lend themselve to staining a mahogany color.
As for some other comments in this
thread:
- are not made from aged Mahogany and the trays WARP (bend, crack) if not in the right atmosphereMost of the old growth trees are long gone. Much of the mahogany currently sold is plantation grown and is kiln dried to around 6-8% moisture, so it should be pretty stable.
- trays don't slide in and out easilyThis would be more of a manufacturing issue, in my opinion.
- have wool-based felt pads that DESTROY coins from belowPersonally I use a synthetic felt. I was a
bit leary about using a wool felt because of the organic properties of wool. I'm
still searching for a source for satin or velet discs to use. If I ever find one, I may switch. Andrew's idea about using an acrylic disk between the felt and the coin is interesting. But the coin will slide more easily on top of the smooth plastic than it would on felt, satin, or any other similar surface. And you also have to be sure that the platic/acrylic is inert and won't harm the coins' surfaces. Given enough time, ANY surface a coin rest on can impart rubbing if the coin is constantly jostled. I've never understood the argument about this, as personally, I don't carry my cabinet around. It sits on a shelf, and when I do remove a tray,
I do it CAREFULLY. What some people do with theirs to cause them to worry about the coins sliding around escapes me.
- are not deep enough for most ancient coins - for example bronzes or thick silver - so scratch the coins from aboveAlso a manufacturing issue. Since most modern coins are only millimeter or two thick, most trays are made to accommodate them. My cabinets come with trays that are 1/2" (12 mm) thick. The recesses are 1/4" (6 mm) deep....more than enough for most ancients. I made trays that are a full 3/4" (19 mm) with recesses 1/2" (12 mm) deep for one customer who collected a specific
type or archaic silver that often
comes 10 mm thick.
Displaying your coins in a cabinet is more about DISPLAYING them, than storing them. Most of my "main line"
collection resides in a safe deposit box at my bank....an unfortunate reality in today's world. But I do have some items that I keep in my cabinet just for the sake of having the coins available to look at and
handle whenever I wish. So it largely
comes down to a matter of personal taste.
CraigCabinetsByCraig.net
