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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,911 |
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Valued Member
United States
99 Posts |
Hello,
I just bought a bunch of 1970's and 80's proof sets and none of them are opening up like the newer sets. Whats the best way to crack the coins out?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2273 Posts |
I slam an awl between the two largest coins while holding it with my feet. I put it on the floor on a towel and be careful not to hit my feet. Wear shoes.
Also wear eye protection or glasses because on rare occassion shards of plastic are thrown off hard enough to punture the skin.
Time don't fly, it bounds and leaps.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
562 Posts |
I insert a knife along the groove where the two plastic halves are joined and twist the blade back and forth. Eventually, the plastic will begin to separate and you can use the blade to pry the set apart.
Also, ditto on the eye protection. There are few things worse than getting a sharp object in your eye.
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Valued Member
 United States
99 Posts |
Thanks. Did they use to glue/melt the plastic together back then?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
757 Posts |
I've always just twisted them until they pop. Some are harder than others, but they always open.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8520 Posts |
Yeah, grab the two ends and twist in opposite directions. Should pop and crack.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Moderator
 United States
189673 Posts |
Quote:
I insert a knife along the groove where the two plastic halves are joined and twist the blade back and forth. Eventually, the plastic will begin to separate and you can use the blade to pry the set apart. I used a utility knife on mine. Just exercise caution and patience. Quote:
Thanks. Did they use to glue/melt the plastic together back then? Yes. Not sure of the method though. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2273 Posts |
I think it was just heat but I'm not certain.
The hard part comes when you try to get the coins out of the individual slots. Often they have to be broken out. The most notorious is the '68 nickel which the mint says was hand pounded into place with a block of wood and a hammer because the cases were too small.
I always wince when I have to break a '68 set.
Time don't fly, it bounds and leaps.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
So I wasn't supposed to use the jackhammer?  |
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Moderator
United States
189673 Posts |
Quote:
I always wince when I have to break a '68 set. I seem to recall that one being particularly not fun.  |
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Valued Member
United States
99 Posts |
Eww and I also have two 68's to crack...
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,911 |
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Posted 09/25/2015 5:56 pm
