card in bank safe deposit box

[T206Collector]

I keep my cards in a SDB and never worry about it. I combat the potential for humidity with those little gel packs you can buy. Pretty sure collectibles insurance will not apply to items stolen from or damaged in a SDB. Before I paid for insurance on top of an SDB I would be sure to read the fine print.

On a lighter note...

http://youtu.be/Q3JePwOZ_hQ

[ALR-bishop]

I was an executor for my Uncle's estate in 1993 in St Louis. At the time he died St Louis was experiencing severe flooding. His bank was cut off and partially flooded, including the safety deposit vault. When the flood receded and I was able to get to the box, it turned out to be at the top part of the vault and was undamaged. But boxes half way up the vault were flooded and virtually all papers in them destroyed or damaged.

I am a volume set collector and do not keep my cards in a SDB, but do have a large box with a lot of papers and documents. I now am sure that the bank I use is not in a flood plane, I check to see what happens if there is a fire in any portion of the bank ( how sprinklers operate in vault), and if they keep the air conditioner going on weekends and evening, and to what degree

[g_vezina_c55]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

I was an executor for my Uncle's estate in 1993 in St Louis. At the time he died St Louis was experiencing severe flooding. His bank was cut off and partially flooded, including the safety deposit vault. When the flood receded and I was able to get to the box, it turned out to be at the top part of the vault and was undamaged. But boxes half way up the vault were flooded and virtually all papers in them destroyed or damaged.

I am a volume set collector and do not keep my cards in a SDB, but do have a large box with a lot of papers and documents. I now am sure that the bank I use is not in a flood plane, I check to see what happens if there is a fire in any portion of the bank ( how sprinklers operate in vault), and if they keep the air conditioner going on weekends and evening, and to what degree

But with cards in Graded holder + in sealled bag, the damage by water is almost impossible.

[frankbmd]

1. The size of your collection of old cardboard



2. A large collection of raw cards can be accomodated in a modest SDB



3. But if you have a larger collection of graded cards, you may need this



4. Then of course you need to find a bank with a very large vault.

[Exhibitman]

Actually, the insurance available for cards usually covers them in a SDB, and usually to the full limit of liability at each SDB you have. Insurers absolutely love it if you keep insured items in a SDB because the likelihood of loss from theft is virtually nil but the policy premium stays the same as though they were at your home.

I've had a SDB for 30+ years for my favorite/best cards. I tend to visit them once a month or so. For me it is a cheap way to be sure that any catastrophic loss at my home--such as a fire--doesn't destroy everything.

As for humidity, bank vaults are typically climate controlled. I put a few of the silica dessicant gel packs into my SDB just in case.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Actually, the insurance available for cards usually covers them in a SDB, and usually to the full limit of liability at each SDB you have. Insurers absolutely love it if you keep insured items in a SDB because the likelihood of loss from theft is virtually nil but the policy premium stays the same as though they were at your home.

Really? One of the reasons I stopped using Collectors Insurance was because of that exclusion. Maybe I misread it.

[MattyC]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Really? One of the reasons I stopped using Collectors Insurance was because of that exclusion. Maybe I misread it.

I was also informed by my insurance agent that they will not issue me a policy for cards in a SDB. That said, I still prefer an SDB to home storage.

[DeanH3]

Yep, SDB is the only way to go. Yeah, it's a pain not to have instant access to you cards, but definitely worth it.

[itjclarke]

Does anyone have a specific recommendation for these? I need to buy some ASAP since I've got some cards (ones that don't fit in SDB) in a semi humid/moist storage locker. Looks like there's lots choices on Amazon.

[byrone]

It's tough being a collector and worrying about our valuables. Realizing that all our "stuff" is temporary often helps keep me grounded as far as collecting is concerned. These wise words often come to mind.

Matthew Chapter 6

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I keep some of my items in a safe...not at all fond of having possessions lost/stolen/damaged, but I try to keep in mind that at the end of the day, it's "stuff".

[itjclarke]

Originally Posted by itjclarke

Does anyone have a specific recommendation for these? I need to buy some ASAP since I've got some cards (ones that don't fit in SDB) in a semi humid/moist storage locker. Looks like there's lots choices on Amazon.

Feel sort of silly bumping my own question, but will be travelling as of tomorrow for most of the next 6 weeks and would love to order some of these and stick them in my storage unit & SDB when back home at the end of the week, prior to the big travel. It looked like at least 2-3 are using them. I had never really considered using, but am cringing knowing that my storage unit is not climate controlled and cards/balls have been there for over a year.

[Texxxx]

Originally Posted by itjclarke

Feel sort of silly bumping my own question, but will be travelling as of tomorrow for most of the next 6 weeks and would love to order some of these and stick them in my storage unit & SDB when back home at the end of the week, prior to the big travel. It looked like at least 2-3 are using them. I had never really considered using, but am cringing knowing that my storage unit is not climate controlled and cards/balls have been there for over a year.

There are a lot of options out there. I would use something like this. They will let you know when they are saturated and need regenerated.
http://www.cannonsafe.com/silica-gel-dehumidifier.html

[Theo_450]

Kept ours in a gun safe for many years. A passive desiccant is OK, but if you have one you can plug in, or at least recharge, or dry out with electricity, it is much better.

Remington makes one that you can plug into an outlet to recharge for ~ $25. Depending on conditions, I recommend you check/recharge them every 30-60 days if not more frequently.

[deadballfreaK]

I guess I'm stupid, but I live near St. Louis. Hot and humid. Usually hell on earth (not this year). Never did anything about humidity. I've been collecting for 50 years and still have most of them from back then. Never had a card damaged by humidity. I think you guys are paranoid.