How to protect your card collection

[jb217676]

I was looking for storage ideas for my collection. I have multiple PSA 65 count boxes, and was wondering how to protect them. Safety deposit boxes or safes could only fit a certain amount, but I don't like my cards to be that far away from me. I have seen fireproof storage lockers, but these are quite large and VERY expensive. Just wondering what methods members here use to protect a large collection of cards. Thanks!

[jbbama]

I have heard of others using large heavy duty gun safes, i do not own one myself, but from what i understand you can use rosin bags to control any moisture. They provide protection, quick access and would be tough to walk off with.

[Kotton King]

I use a nice big Doberman Pinscher!

[drdduet]

Hey King,

How nice is he?

[Kotton King]

Hey King,

How nice is he?

Nice enough to keep people away from my collection......


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f93/crazylocomerk/Pets/P6243576.jpg


And yes, the little ankle biter in the background is also ours.

[Fred]

If you have a significant investment in your cards and you want the cards readily available to you at home then I would invest $800 - $1K for a nice gun locker (safe).

[Cowboy Fan]

Nice enough to keep people away from my collection......


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f93/crazylocomerk/Pets/P6243576.jpg


And yes, the little ankle biter in the background is also ours.

I have a mini doberman....3 years old weighs 18 pounds and is terrified of his shadow...just a big baby!!

[cfc1909]

we use a safty deposit box for our best cards. We also use a Knack tool box that we keep at his house because he is retired and home all the time. The tool box is all metal and has a lock in a tiny hole that can not be cut. These tool boxes are used on job sites to keep your tools from being stolen- a very tough box to break in to-I guess equal to a gun safe.

I keep folders on my computer with all my scans so I can still enjoy my cards. Also makes for a real fun visit to my dads-we are like two little kids-we get them all out and talk cards/coins for days.

[yanksfan09]

Are there any waterproof Gun Safes?

Definatley something to consider, especially if the safe will be in a basement where flooding could occur. Broken water heaters, leaky pipes, flooding, etc....

Probably a good idea to raise it off the ground or put a safe on another floor of the house.

[prestigecollectibles]

I bought this safe from The Home Depot.
Sentry®Safe Gun Safe
Model # G5241
Store SKU # 217045
$399.00/EA

[E93]

I would put the valuable ones in a safety deposit box.
JimB

[Leon]

I have a 1200lb jewelers safe at home and I put my valuable cards in a safe deposit box at a local bank.....Can't beat the peace of mind, at the bank, for $100 a yr...

[Pup6913]

I bought this safe from The Home Depot.
Sentry®Safe Gun Safe
Model # G5241
Store SKU # 217045
$399.00/EA


Robert and in less than 10 minutes I could make you $400 investment cost you Thousands. It takes less than 10 minutes to break that safe with a steel 5ft pry-bar. Actually the time is much less depending on experience. A great bank safe gets my most valuable items. I am very anti home safe unless it is built like a tank and has a fire, water, and break-in guarentee. Thats going to cost you $ but well worth it.

[Anthony S.]

Red dobies (and dobies in general) are great dogs. Much sweeter than their rep, though obviously good protectors, especially if well-trained. Unfortunately, my girlfriend likes to dress hers up for Halloween...

[OldSchoolBaseball]

I have Pelican cases with custom fit foam for graded cards and they are sweet.

[Kotton King]

Anthony......that poor dog. You should tell your girlfriend you're supposed to do that with small dogs, and not the big ones :D

Dobies are very sweet and loyal, and mine has been the best dog I've ever owned.

[Leon]

Robert and in less than 10 minutes I could make you $400 investment cost you Thousands. It takes less than 10 minutes to break that safe with a steel 5ft pry-bar. Actually the time is much less depending on experience. A great bank safe gets my most valuable items. I am very anti home safe unless it is built like a tank and has a fire, water, and break-in guarentee. Thats going to cost you $ but well worth it.

Get the right safe, like mine with a TL15 rating, and monitored alarm system, as we have.....plus the safe deposit box....and you are all set

[Kotton King]

"Pelican cases with custome fit foam for graded cards"

I've seen those and I have to agree.....they look very nice.

[Pup6913]

Get the right safe, like mine with a TL15 rating, and monitored alarm system, as we have.....plus the safe deposit box....and you are all set


I will give a big amen to your safe Leon. Cabela's carries one that is similar to what I am talking about. May cost some coin but very nice. Also there are wireless monitors that your home security company could provide that can be installed inside the safe for more protection.

[Jacklitsch]

That home safe ain't going to do you no good with a gun pointed at your head.

Keep the most valuable cards in the bank box and let them take everything else you have laying around.

[jb217676]

That's for sure. I think if I had a gun safe like that I would have it built into a wall and keep it well hidden. Wouldn't want to keep it in plain view.

[Leon]

That home safe ain't going to do you no good with a gun pointed at your head.

Keep the most valuable cards in the bank box and let them take everything else you have laying around.

Exactly the reason my best cards are at the bank. Even though I spent a lot on the home security, the ole gun at the head, defeats all home precautions.

[JasonL]

the rest (1992 Bowman) isn't very impressive at all.
That's why I hide them in plain sight and don't feel bad about taping them up like wallpaper!:D

[T206Collector]

I keep my best 25 or so at the safety deposit box at the bank. For the others, most of them I'd give up with a gun to my head. :D

[Pup6913]

you guys are easy targets:D Would it make sense for someone to pop you if you don't give them the combo:confused: If the safe is bolted and secured and you are the only way in it defeats the purpose of offing you if you don't cooperate right. Yes I may Sh!t down one leg but I would try my hardest to forget the combo.

[Fred]

Part of the criteria was that the cards should be easily accessible at home and not in a safe deposit box. The gun locker will deter most theifs that are just in the home to get quick cash and jewelry. I wouldn't recommend putting something like this in an area where it's susceptible to water damage. They are bulky but you can still locate them in places that are not real obvious (closets with other items placed in front).

I would think that any gun toting thief will probably have you open the safe but unless they know what they're looking for they'll have to take all of the crap with the good stuff. This brings up a good point - keep the good stuff buried somewhere else in a secure vessel.

Overall, putting the cards in a secure area in your home is always better than just leaving it laying around and available for the casual burglar.

[Chris Counts]

Because I worry about both fire and theft, I scan everything and put my best stuff in a safe deposit box. I've filled up four of them so far. Strangely enough, I really enjoy looking at my cards online because I can make large, easy-to-view scans and organize the cards in nice displays ...

Here's my collection:

http://imageevent.com/ccmcnutt

[smtjoy]

I just use a home safe and insurance. Here are some photos of them-

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Misc%20Card%20stuff/Cardsafe2.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Misc%20Card%20stuff/Cardsafe3.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Misc%20Card%20stuff/Cardsafe1.jpg
Custom boxes made for storing graded exhibits (I have 6 of them)
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n182/smtjoy/Misc%20Card%20stuff/Cardstorage1.jpg

[jb217676]

That is a great safe. Did it come with the shelving unit or was that a custom add-on? What did you pay for a safe like that?

[Exhibitman]

you guys are easy targets:D Would it make sense for someone to pop you if you don't give them the combo:confused: If the safe is bolted and secured and you are the only way in it defeats the purpose of offing you if you don't cooperate right. Yes I may Sh!t down one leg but I would try my hardest to forget the combo.

I think you'll recall it PDQ when they put the muzzle to your kid's head...

Put the stuff you'd be heartbroken to lose in a safe deposit box, insure the rest, and relax.