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 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,292 |
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Valued Member
United States
373 Posts |
I have a Lincoln Cent that is stuck in a 19mm Lighthouse capsule. I tried using a hair dryer to remove the coin but that didn't work, although using a hair dryer has helped with other stuck cents. I have had trouble in the past with stuck coins in Lighthouse capsules. It seems when I first bought these capsules in 2007 they worked fine, and then when I ordered more capsules a few years later my coins would get stuck. |
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Valued Member
 United States
373 Posts |
I got the coin out of the capsule using a flat-nose plier by cracking the capsule open. Unfortunately, I damaged the coin rim in a few places. This is the last time I use Lighthouse 19mm capsules for small cents.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
That's a shame. I think it's interesting that you had older capsules that worked just fine. There seems to be a quality control problem there.
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Valued Member
United States
373 Posts |
I agree, Buddy. Something changed over the span of a few years. So now I have my cent in a 21.5mm Lighthouse capsule.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
A good notice concerning that product. You might consider no staple air tight 2x2's. They are about the same price and they give you lots of writing space without the staples.
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Valued Member
United States
373 Posts |
I was thinking of getting air-tite capsules. I do have 2x2 cardboard holders, but thought that capsules would be better for long-term storage.
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Moderator
 United States
187862 Posts |
Quote:
I got the coin out of the capsule using a flat-nose plier by cracking the capsule open. Unfortunately, I damaged the coin rim in a few places. Ouch.  It was not a high value cent, was it? |
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Pillar of the Community
Norway
1358 Posts |
Quote:
I got the coin out of the capsule using a flat-nose plier by cracking the capsule open. Unfortunately, I damaged the coin rim in a few places. That's a shame, really. Those holders should be there to help your collection, not to destroy it... I have similar experiences with some coin capsules (not sure which brand, as the coins came packed in them). What I usually do to coins which are stuck is apply a bit of pressure on the center of the capsule while holding the rim. That way a coin can just get out or at least out enough to grab one side with a glove or something of your choice. Sometimes I apply a bit too much pressure so the capsule cracks. That then costs me a capsule but leaves the coin unscratched. I make sure the surface underneath is soft and not scratchy. In that case, you will also get the coin out, but you won't have to damage it. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I hope you shared your story with the company.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3323 Posts |
The old rule is "if not heat then cold". If your hair dryer isn't working maybe try putting in the freezer for a while?... In case this happens on another one
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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Pillar of the Community
Norway
1358 Posts |
The idea is that heat makes the plastic of the capsule a bit more flexible. The downside is that metal expands when heated, so it's not a perfect solution. You can try to freeze it, the coin will get slightly smaller, but the plastic may get a tad harder.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5239 Posts |
Well, how about putting the offending capsule on a piece of cloth and giving it multiple sharp whacks with a hard object, so that when the coin is loosened it falls onto the cloth? You may need a lot of whacks and the capsule may crack, but I think that the coin will be OK.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 2,292 |
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Posted 09/30/2017 7:43 pm
