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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,583 |
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New Member
United States
37 Posts |
Has anyone ever run across a device made to open proof sets? I open a lot of them to sell the individual coins and, depending on the type of set, I've used many different methods including pocket knives, letter openers, hammers, etc. But none are very efficient, especially with the 70's sets.
I've heard that such devices exist but never come across one. Has anyone else?
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2133 Posts |
Why would you want to sell the individual coins ?
Can you make a profit that way ?
My experience is that the total cost of individual proof coins bought separately are way cheaper as a set than the buying a proof set.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4897 Posts |
*WARNING*My method is not for the faint of heart.... One swift whack on the edge of a granite countertop and the cell usually splits right open...  
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Moderator
 United States
188958 Posts |
A utility knife with a fresh blade has always served me well.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
I use metal shears, for proof sets and slabs. They will cut anything. Nice clean cut with out damaging the coins. Can buy them at the home center for less than $10
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New Member
 United States
37 Posts |
Thanks for the suggestions!
Yes Pertinax, there is a good market for individual proof coins. Collectors filling their albums often only need the penny or the half dollar, and they don't want to pay the price for the whole set. Plus, I get so many proof sets that have bad coins in them, I have no choice but to break them out to dip them and sell them.
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Valued Member
United States
157 Posts |
My approach, at least for the more recent proof sets (for example, circa 1999 and later), is to wrap the lens in a wash cloth or hand towel, then tap a corner with a blunt instrument (hammer, stapler, etc.) through the towel, with medium force. A few whacks caused the two pieces of the lens to separate at the corner, from which you can use your fingers to gently pry apart without destroying the lens and getting plastic shards everywhere.
Not sure how to best get into the earlier proof set lenses.
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Valued Member
Canada
189 Posts |
I have heard of people who will crack them open slowly using a bench clamp and use a towel on the sides. It works pretty well.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Quote:
I have no choice but to break them out to dip them and sell them. What are you dipping them in and are you telling the buyers that they are buying a dipped coin? John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2133 Posts |
I haven't bought proof sets from any mint for many years.
When I did do so, I checked them carefully.
I only ever found 2 with a bad specimen; I sent them back for replacement and I got replacements quickly with a letter of apology.
I wonder what they did with the bad specimens - destroy them or sell them on somewhere else ?
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New Member
United States
37 Posts |
John1, we use either a very diluted solution of e-z-est (about 20%) or just plain water, which works fine for some of the haze that appears on the 60s or 70s cents. Most cents with environmental damage are a lost cause since dipping in a solution discolors them to an unnatural look. And yes, we tell our buyers.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Good to know. John1 |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,583 |
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Posted 01/27/2013 2:07 pm
