Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 12/25/2009

Question
What is the best methods for archiving everything?

Here is what I have in mind:

1. Excellent Glass or Plastic as the medium. (where do I get that)
2. Since I have a house, put it in my bedroom in the closet.
3. Avoid heat,light, moisture, and humidity by getting a safe or vaults or locks?


Answer
Hello again Henry,
1. The inert plastic cases for coins, bills and comic books are available on-line.
For coins, you can find cases of various sizes at: http://www.whitmanbooks.com/default.aspx?SubCatOID=10&page=80
There are also other sites for these that you can find by doing a Google search for "Inert plastic holders"
For paper money: All kinds of sleeves and albums are available at http://www.jpscorner.com/Currency_Supplies_Price_Guides.htm
For comic books: A variety of mylar (archival polyester) sleeves can be viewed at http://www.nextag.com/comic-book-mylar/shop-html     These are typically sold in packs of 20 or 25 sleeves.

Glass cases would need to be custom made, and as such are overpriced. These are generally reserved for high end antiques or fine art, which has a large value. I am not familiar with companies that offer the glass crafting service, but I am sure a bit of research will yield some results.

2 and 3. A bedroom closet is a great place. Most closets are already cool and dark. As far as moisture, it depends where you live. Out by the ocean the air is humid, so you may want a moisture proof safe or lock-box. However, out near the desert, for example in Arizona, Nevada, etc. the air is already very dry, and a closet would be quite perfect for guarding against all of the things that can damage your items.

I hope you will not forget to rate all my answers. Thanks again! =)