Opening A Proof Coin Set?

The process varies by year. Please share which year set you're thinking about opening and the experts will be along to help with the best way to get at the coins.

Please forgive me. I forgot to you to the forum.

to the funny farm!

Some "lenses" (cases) are easier to open than others. I will try a thin edged sharp knife along the side seam first to break the glue, carefully tho, not to go too far into the case or cut yourself. Once a little area starts, the case will wedge open. If too tightly sealed with glue, the drastic means like a hammer on the side is necessary. Sometimes a twisting motion works too. Just make sure you have the case covered for flying crap. Always handle coins by edge between thumb and forefinger, never use sharp object to pry out of holder, try turning over and tapping case around coin over a soft cloth.

If you can free the coin without damaging the package in any way, then go for it.

Problem: When it is graded and then entombed in a slab, and the proof set is no longer complete. The set may be worth a lot less than just the value of the coin removed.

Costs involved:
1. loss of value of the incomplete proof set
2. slabbing fees
3. return shipping fees.

Question:
Do TPGraders grade proof sets with, or without, opening the packaging? I must admit, I have never heard of such a policy, either way.

I think they heard you the first time.

To the Forum.

I assume that the same would apply to mints sets as well? For example, I've seen the Kennedy half from a 1964 mint set valued at twice what the whole mint set is selling for.

One of my money tricks at shows is to go through proof sets from 55-63 and pick out one's with good cameos on halves. They often sell well above the cost of the entire set.