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 Replies: 13 / Views: 3,407 |
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New Member
United States
12 Posts |
I think it is more accurate to say that I have a collection of coins rather than a coin collection. No rhyme or rational, other than to say they are coins I like. I trace my coin fascination back to an 1896 Morgan dollar I was given by my grandfather for helping him paint his garage. The coin was beautiful, substantial and majestic. I cannot explain how, given the many twists, turns, moves and basic mayhem that have ensued over the 60 years since I was give the coin, I still have it. Over the years it has lost its luster and showed signs of impending toning. In an effort to arrest the deterioration I sent the coin to PCGS. While I intellectually knew what the process would be, I was emotionally unprepared for the results. The Morgan was returned in a slab. What an appropriate name! My treasure was entombed in a plastic vault. The Morgan seemed dead and lifeless. Before it was slabbed, holding that coin generated deep and abiding waves of nostalgic memories. Now it seems to have lost its magic. It is a handsome coin, though not investment grade. It was nice to receive an evaluation of the Morgan; but, it is not something I would ever sell. Its sentimental value is far too great. I want to once again put that coin in the palm of my hand, hold it between my fingers.... Which brings me to the point: Is there a way to remove the Morgan from its sarcophagus and stabilize its condition? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7273 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I just use pliers, carefully.  to the CCF! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Pending if you have tools, a Dremel or simple saber saw will do great. Place in a vice and simply cut one end off. Then put some pressure on the slab by tightening the vice and the slab should open. If only a little, place a screw driver in the slot that is now open and twist. It is rather simple. Using pliers and cutters are dangerous due to possible flying pieces of plastic. |
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Moderator
 United States
187702 Posts |
to the Community! |
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
The PCGS "sarcophagus" is your best defense to stabilize it's condition from further wear and tear or toning which at some point could reach terminal state (black). But I do understand your position of wanting to free the cartwheel... and to CCF! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
After you get it out of the slab give it an acetone rinse and then get a generic Coin World slab to put it in, The generic slab will protect it almost as well as the sealed TPG slab does, but you can open it, take it out and hold it anytime you want. And you can put the PCGS labels on the Coin World slab so you know what they graded it. You get the best of both worlds, protection, stability, and accessibility. |
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Moderator
Canada
10456 Posts |
I just grab the opposite corners and torque the slab apart with my bare hands. The larger the coin, the easier it is...
"Discovery follows discovery, each both raising and answering questions, each ending a long search, and each providing the new instruments for a new search." -- J. Robert OppenheimerContent of this post is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses...0/deed.en_USMy eBay store
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
24885 Posts |
To the Forum. |
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
I bought a $20 vise from Home Depot. Put the slab in and tighten until it pops. Turn the slab lengthwise and repeat. it should just come apart then. I'd be more concerned with why a Morgan is losing its luster when it is not slabbed. Do you know how to store and hold a coin?
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New Member
 United States
12 Posts |
Hi Everyone.
Thanks for the responses.
Some solutions seem doable others not so doable. I read about acetone for coin cleaning on line:"Acetone won't hurt a silver or gold coin and it will dissolve many impurities that are sitting on the surface, like dirt and PVC residue. It will not affect toning (patina) or remove metal from the coin. You only need to rinse the coin in cool, clear water after briefly soaking the coin in acetone."
I think I'll practice the acetone treatment on a couple of sterling silver spoons and examine the results before I dunk the Morgan. If I take this route I want that cartwheel feel once again. Will an original Air-tite capsule hold the cleaned coin in a stable state?
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New Member
United States
12 Posts |
Hello Andrew99
The short answer is I don't know how to store a raw coin. The Morgan was literally in a sock in a box for 60 years. I decided to do something when it became apparent that the coin was losing its luster.
I have some coins I'd like my grandchildren to have, but the coins are not candidates for 3rd party grading. Recently I put many of my coins in 2x2 cardboard coin flips. Is there a better was to store..., short of slabbing?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
I use a bolt cutter on either side of the coin and it cracks right across and you can then extract the coin from its tomb.  |
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
I'd dip in acetone to remove any contaminants and put in a Saflip. Once the luster is gone, its not likely coming back, but you can stop continued deterioration.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 3,407 |
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Posted 12/16/2019 2:32 pm
