Storage of coins

I have been asked by several coin collectors what woods are suitable
or unsuitable for use in making cabinets or boxes to house their
collections. I know that mahogany is usually cited as the wood of
first choice, due to durability and fewer problems with off-gassing.
But it is quite expensive, and I have been told it is harder to work
with. Oak is usually cited as one of the worst choices due to
off-gassing. The off-gassing is the major problem since it can harm
the coins. I have not been able to find much information about other
woods and their traits in this respect. Can anyone offer any
suggestions or recommend any good sources that I could consult. My
background is mainly in book conservation and, unfortunately, so is
our reference shelf. Thanks in advance,

Jim Liddle
University of Cincinnati

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:75
               Distributed: Wednesday, February 26, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-75-019
                                  ***