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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,356 |
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Rest in Peace
United States
5375 Posts |
I've got two beautiful toned coins waiting to sit in my album, but I'm scared to crack them out : (
I've whacked out at least five coins in my day, but I just chipped away at the slab and carefully removed it once it cracked. The process was too haphazard for my liking. Is there an EASY way to do it?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
I use a bolt cutter - just cut up the side, pry it apart and dump the coin onto a big towel. Then pry it the rest of the way to get the label out.
It just seems more controlled than using a hammer on it.
Ken
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Rest in Peace
 United States
5375 Posts |
That will never, ever damage the coin? I want to get a few methods here just so I can know a bit more about this.
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Valued Member
United States
295 Posts |
I really think the best way to do it in a controlled fashion that has exact repeatable results would be to saw the slab in half. Cracking is unpredictable.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1231 Posts |
Use a dremel, cuts it open like butter
FREE them coins!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
There's no such thing as never ever unfortunately although I've never damaged a coin. But then I haven't cracked hundreds of coins either. I like the bolt cutter since it is a clean, controlled sharp cut vs. a crack/shatter operation. But honestly, I've heard of many ways to crack slabs and you have to figure what you are comfortable with. I've heard that people put them in a vise; some hammer them until they split; bandsaws or Dremels, etc. The first slab I cracked was a 1962 Washington quarter in a PCGS MS-64 slab that I got on ebay for $7.50. I did a handful before I felt comfortable cracking out my Seated dollar and Trade dollar for my type collection. If you can locate a cheapie or two to try it, it'd be a good idea. Ken |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2734 Posts |
Now this is something that 'garbage slabs' like SGS etc. would be good for: crackout practice!  |
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Moderator
 United States
16677 Posts |
There is no guarantee that your coin will not get damaged. But, take your time and be methodical. I use a vice or as stated, a bolt cutter.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
60 Posts |
I Dremeled one once, but you have to make sure the slab is held tight in a vise or comparable. Otherwise you could end up Dremeling your initials onto said coins...  |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
A bandsaw is the optimum solution to this problem. Second, in my opinion, is a Dremel (with phdezra's precautions in mind).
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1415 Posts |
Band saw is great, but most of us don't happen to have a work shop!
I just removed one from an SGS slab.
I used a small screwdriver and slowly got it wedged in. Then with a second screwdriver, slowly worked around the edge. Finally got it far enough apart to dump into towel.
Good luck.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
I'm the same way. I've bought a few coins that are still in slabs that I originally bought to break out. I couldn't bring myself to make the attempt.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5604 Posts |
I bought a complete set of 18-Morgan silver dollars and all were slabbed and I wanted them out( graded by some unknown company) so having never done this before I took the slabs onto the garage and placed the slabs one at a time in the vise, with a nice soft towel around the slab and slowly closed the vise in until the slab cracked and continued until it was broken to the point of taking it out of the vise and slipping the once caged LADY out of the cage, not a scratch on any of the 18, just be slow and cautious and all should be fine!!PS: I do not recommend this to anyone, very risky, all it takes is one slip!!!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2669 Posts |
Unfortunately, some of the garbage slabs are just that - all they take is a quick twist in the hands and they bust wide open. Top TPG slabs are a wee bit tougher than that. Don't forget good eye protection for all the flying bits and pieces  |
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Valued Member
United States
79 Posts |
Get some copper sheets[1/8 in thick] and bend and put them on the jaws of you vice. This will hold good and not damage anything.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,356 |
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Posted 02/07/2009 3:30 pm
