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 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,966 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
767 Posts |
I collect old copper coins. I despise TPG slabs. Shamefully, alot of really nice old coppers are in slabs, with grades that do not nearly fit EAC grading standards. If I bought one of these coins, how difficult would it be to get it out of the slab without damaging the coin? Would it be worth the effort? Would a small pair of pliers and a screwdriver do the trick? *** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. *** |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
Maybe this should be moved to a different topic heading as there are a number of different methods.
I have done so and pieces of plastic went flying. Coin was OK.
Just for laughs, I bought a coin at a show and the dealer asked:
"Do you want me to break it open?"
SURE, THANKS!
I feel your frustration.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
Scott, it's actually pretty easy to do, and there are lots of threads on the subject. I opened a newer ANACS with just a screwdriver. With something like a PCGS slab, some just wrap it in a towel and stand it on edge on a hard surface and give it a couple of shots on the top edge with a hammer and it breaks right open.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
767 Posts |
Hm. Ok.
I just want to be sure that there's not a lot of risk of a shard of broken plastic getting jammed into a $150 coin.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
849 Posts |
Edweather - like you said - I did the towel and hammer method on an NGC and that worked just fine.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
506 Posts |
With NGC, I wrapped it in a towel then hit the top part (by the label) with a hammer and assessed the progress periodically. After you get a few pieces to chip off, you can pry it open and the front and back split apart. Then the insert is holding the coin and you can bend it to release into your desired holder without touching it at all. It turned out well for me. Best of luck to you.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Put the label end of the slab in a large vise, wrap the lot in a clean towel to prevent the parts falling, and crush very slowly.
Edited by sel_69l
02/16/2015 01:09 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
797 Posts |
I do the vice trick also. Wrap in towel and I just slowly apply pressure. When I hear a crack, I stop and check it. If it is cracked enough for me to remove the coin then I am done. If the slab does not separate enough to remove the coin then I apply a bit more vice pressure until it cracks open or separates enough to safely remove the coin. Obviously there is potential to damage the coin, but so far I have not had any damage occur. Just take your time and be careful and I am sure you will be fine.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1132 Posts |
I'm playing with the idea of cracking out a PCGS MS-63 Morgan for the 7070. I haven't worked up the nerve to pull the trigger yet.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I used to use a hammer and towel, never damaged a coin that way, but did have a few close calls. Now I use a large pair of dykes (wire cutters) and simply snip at the area between the label and the coin, they break cleanly apart and usually that is enough, though sometimes, I've needed to make a couple more snips around at the corners to free a coin from those coffins. This method works great on PCGS, ICG, ANACS (old and new), the thicker NGC slabs can still be a headache to get into.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Valued Member
United States
331 Posts |
I run the band saw down three sides and then pop it open.
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Moderator
 United States
188325 Posts |
Quote:I despise TPG slabs.  I have not bought a slabbed coin yet, but that day is fast approaching as I whittle my list down to the remaining key dates. When that happens I will use my Craftsman branded rotary tool to free my coin. |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 2,966 |
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Posted 02/15/2015 3:49 pm
