To Crack A Slab Or Not

I doubt that just Carl meant to insult anyone.
By using the statement "I collect coins not plastic" I assume the he means he has no need or use of the assurance of the grade or genuineness of a coin by someone else.
I have found that a lot of collectors look more at the grading printed on the slab than judging the coin within.

This is what I think he was eluding to and nothing to do with how collectors store their coins.

I have no great love of slabbed coins due to the inflated prices associated with them, They do however offer great protection to the coin while in transit.

I always de slab any coin I buy that way because I'm one of those weirdo collectors that like to be able to handle and study my coins in the flesh and not through a layer of hardened and often scratched plastic.

Each to their own way of collecting , As long as you enjoy the way you collect there is no right or wrong way

I probably did take it the wrong way which I do apologize. Just really hate the saying personally as it does give off the impression that some may be more concerned by the slab than the coin from the wording of it. I couldnt agree more everyone should collect what they like and how they like since thats what collecting is all about.

Dont mind me had a rough week and took it wrong. Thanks for clarifying Trout and Carl

I've cracked open every Lincoln I've purchased including mint sets and don't regret it one bit. I couldn't care less what a TPG thought vs. how I feel to see an empty hole!

Admittedly the only one missing in my collection is of course an 09-S VDB which I will buy slabbed to guarantee authenticity but will absolutely crack that open too! I do however try my hardest to buy raw coins first to avoid the pain in the butt to crack slabs--but sometimes the ones that call my names just so happen to be imprisoned in plastic.

I found a practical use for slabs that I do like. My wife and kids took no interest in my hobby. If something should happen to me, they know which ones in the safe deposit are worth looking into to get a maximum return. And let's face it, b/c it is slabbed it will sell for a little more b/c some people trust TPGs' opinions as if they are Gospel. I like finding ways of legitimately playing/using a system to my advantage.

And since I hate holes in my albums, I got some replicas to go into the holes. It makes the album look better and not worth very much if somehow sticky fingers would somehow get ahold of it.

If you like slabs - collect them! Enjoy getting all the different versions of the labels - more power to you

If you don't like slabs - use a bandsaw on them - more power to you

If you don't care - more power to you

I prefer the hammer and paper towel method myself

Ive actually never had a problem, if you hit along the side to crack it a little then hit by the label harder it usually opens right up. The NGCs I've done have been a bigger pain in the butt though, probably should try the saw method on the next one of those

All very, very true but remember that possibly 99% of the population does not have a bandsaw. Nor to many have a saber saw, circular saw and many do not have a Dremel either. Many collectors are just kids or possibly very old and not playing around with power tools.
The worst part of anyone saying to use a hammer is those do not have to pay the doctor bills for a piece of plastic in the eyes.


And this too is true. However, with all the fakes floating around, a slabbed coin does have more value since, as noted, they do sell faster and for more money, usually. I hear so many times at coin shows that "Of cousse it cost more, it's in a PCGS slab".

You don't have to worry about goggles/safety glasses, that's what the paper towel/towel is for. I've broken them out a few different ways. Believe me, the hammer is the easiest. Unless you're really clumsy you aren't going to hurt the coin. The plastic doesn't act like glass.