Ideas for getting this out of the capsule? 2008-P 25C Arizona

Kurisu

Our host has it listed at $1,450 in MS68...
I honestly think it looks better than this 68 graded by our host, which has some obvious contact marks https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2008-p-25c-arizona/39044

Just went through a bunch of these.
This was my only cherry pick.

Question 1: Any chance of an MS68 here?

Question 2: If it's worth a shot...would I just send it in as is and not worry about trying to get it out?
It is seriously stuck in there.

Photos of it opened

Photos of it closed. There is nothing on the coin, any specs you see are on the capsule

jclovescoins

Don't think we can judge a 68 on a modern quarter from photos. The obverse photo, in particular, would lead me to conclude no better than 64 but a lot of what I am seeing could just be the photo.

OAKSTAR

I'm confused. You said it's seriously stuck in there but then you said photos of it open.

Kurisu

@jclovescoins said:
Don't think we can judge a 68 on a modern quarter from photos. The obverse photo, in particular, would lead me to conclude no better than 64 but a lot of what I am seeing could just be the photo.

64?!!
What are you seeing exactly?
Take a look at some graded 64s, it's not even close lol.

@OAKSTAR said:
I'm confused. You said it's seriously stuck in there but then you said photos of it open.

I can only open it...the obverse side is VERY stuck lol. Basically I can take the lid off.
Even if I try to give the one half a slight twist. It will not come out.

OAKSTAR

Oh okay, I got it. I'd let the TPG'er remove it. If in fact, they do that sort of thing. I never submitted a coin for removal from any holder, so I don't know. Contact your TPG and ask or I'm sure guys here know, will chime in and answer your question.

jclovescoins

@Kurisu said:

@jclovescoins said:
Don't think we can judge a 68 on a modern quarter from photos. The obverse photo, in particular, would lead me to conclude no better than 64 but a lot of what I am seeing could just be the photo.

64?!!
What are you seeing exactly?
Take a look at some graded 64s, it's not even close lol.

@OAKSTAR said:
I'm confused. You said it's seriously stuck in there but then you said photos of it open.

I can only open it...the obverse side is VERY stuck lol. Basically I can take the lid off.
Even if I try to give the one half a slight twist. It will not come out.

you only provided one granular picture of the obverse - point is 1) we need a better pic, and 2) even with a better pic, it's near impossible to grade such a coin based on pics alone. There's a reason why only 4 have been graded 68

PeakRarities

FWIW, I personally think the coin is a lot better than 64. I’m looking at the 68 on coinfacts and yours looks close, if you are correct in saying that all of the specs are on the capsule and not on the coin. I would just contact pcgs and confirm that they can remove the coin before you send it.

Kurisu

@jclovescoins said:

@Kurisu said:

@jclovescoins said:
Don't think we can judge a 68 on a modern quarter from photos. The obverse photo, in particular, would lead me to conclude no better than 64 but a lot of what I am seeing could just be the photo.

64?!!
What are you seeing exactly?
Take a look at some graded 64s, it's not even close lol.

@OAKSTAR said:
I'm confused. You said it's seriously stuck in there but then you said photos of it open.

I can only open it...the obverse side is VERY stuck lol. Basically I can take the lid off.
Even if I try to give the one half a slight twist. It will not come out.

you only provided one granular picture of the obverse - point is 1) we need a better pic, and 2) even with a better pic, it's near impossible to grade such a coin based on pics alone. There's a reason why only 4 have been graded 68

Ok you got me lol.
That's making sense.
I can tell you that in-hand this is a stunner. Basically untouched.
The only contact mark I can find is on the rim above the last A in Arizona by the top of the cactus.
I thought there was a mark on E PLURIBUS but it looks like it's the strike.
Maybe I should just trust my judgement and send it in for grading

jclovescoins

@Kurisu said:

@jclovescoins said:

@Kurisu said:

@jclovescoins said:
Don't think we can judge a 68 on a modern quarter from photos. The obverse photo, in particular, would lead me to conclude no better than 64 but a lot of what I am seeing could just be the photo.

64?!!
What are you seeing exactly?
Take a look at some graded 64s, it's not even close lol.

@OAKSTAR said:
I'm confused. You said it's seriously stuck in there but then you said photos of it open.

I can only open it...the obverse side is VERY stuck lol. Basically I can take the lid off.
Even if I try to give the one half a slight twist. It will not come out.

you only provided one granular picture of the obverse - point is 1) we need a better pic, and 2) even with a better pic, it's near impossible to grade such a coin based on pics alone. There's a reason why only 4 have been graded 68

Ok you got me lol.
That's making sense.
I can tell you that in-hand this is a stunner. Basically untouched.
The only contact mark I can find is on the rim above the last A in Arizona by the top of the cactus.
I thought there was a mark on E PLURIBUS but it looks like it's the strike.
Maybe I should just trust my judgement and send it in for grading

the reverse looks very nice of your coin, definitely better than the PCGS 68 - and the PCGS 68 sure doesn't look like a 68 lol.

lilolme

As DD mentioned could try and find out if TPG would do it. They do original packaging on some but otherwise mention sending in a flip (unless bulk grading....).

Removing - I am hesitant to mention this because I don't know what that holder is like (hard, soft, thickness, lip...). But doing something similar to cracking out a coin from a slab could work. That is using wire cutters to cut/crack it open. I would be cautious and initially try cutting just barely into the edge 1/8 inch or less. Then could move in a little step by step. If that is a lip, then do similar on the folded lip. Just clip the edge. The holder might help you if it cracks like a slab. Be cautious and don't let the coin and holder flop around or out of control when you cut through the plastic, if you have not done it before.

Just thought of this. You could try it out on the loose half of the holder.

I would try the flexing again and exhaust that option. Temperature might help but I don't know the relative CTE of the two materials.

Jzyskowski1

Wrap it in a towel inside holder or in our case set it on the window sill ( Colorado joke. ) Anyway I got one out by cold induced shrinkage. A 68 possible, I’d send it in the capsule. 😁🦫

JBK

That capsule has a wide rim. Maybe grip it with pairs of pliers on each side and twist?

ricko

In the second picture of the OP, it looks like some rim damage above the first A in Arizona.... If so, that may disallow a 68.... It was not clearly visible in the other picture. Cheers, RickO

Namvet69

I would not fracture the plastic, cause you can't control the cracked edge contact with the coin. Flexing, I would try. Whatever you do, do it over a plush towel. Good luck. Peace Roy

gumby1234

Nice looking quarter. I do see 2 very small scratches on the obv. One on the nose, the larger of the two at Washingtons eye level going from the face into his hair. Minor marks and very hard to see. I like the flex idea carefully over a soft blanket idea.

EDIT there is a third small mark on his forehead

OAKSTAR

@jclovescoins said:

@Kurisu said:

@jclovescoins said:
Don't think we can judge a 68 on a modern quarter from photos. The obverse photo, in particular, would lead me to conclude no better than 64 but a lot of what I am seeing could just be the photo.

64?!!
What are you seeing exactly?
Take a look at some graded 64s, it's not even close lol.

@OAKSTAR said:
I'm confused. You said it's seriously stuck in there but then you said photos of it open.

I can only open it...the obverse side is VERY stuck lol. Basically I can take the lid off.
Even if I try to give the one half a slight twist. It will not come out.

There's a reason why only 4 have been graded 68

I'd say it's near impossible to grade a coin 68 from where we sit. Would a certified TPG'er grade a coin from pictures?

lilolme

@Namvet69 said:
I would not fracture the plastic, cause you can't control the cracked edge contact with the coin. Flexing, I would try. Whatever you do, do it over a plush towel. Good luck. Peace Roy

There is no 'control' over the cracking or the flexing. If flexed and it works the coin will 'pop' out, at least partially. This won't be controlled and particularly as you note on the edge contact similar to cracking edge. Who knows if flexed hard to get it out the holder might crack in doing this. But as noted I would exhaust the flexing first but still a risk there. Temperature is also an option that I don't know CTE of.

Project Numismatics

I think it’s worth sending in - looks in the range of 67+/68 to me, but without out tilting it in hand under a strong light, it’s hard to tell for sure. The potential upside of 67+/68 outweighs the modest risk of wasting your money on a grading fee if it comes back <67.

Kurisu

@gumby1234 said:
Nice looking quarter. I do see 2 very small scratches on the obv. One on the nose, the larger of the two at Washingtons eye level going from the face into his hair. Minor marks and very hard to see. I like the flex idea carefully over a soft blanket idea.

EDIT there is a third small mark on his forehead

So I took some extra pics just for you Thanks for identifying what you were seeing.
Even at 10x magnification there is barely a whisper of a touch...you can sort of see barely a brush on the tip of his lips and front edge of his nose. His eyebrow has a gently mark that is visible at this magnification but I hadn't noticed it all.
As to scratches, the one you see in the hair is definitely on the capsule.
I struggle to find ANY scratches...this thing is beautiful.

I am genuinely appreciating all this feedback, thank you everybody.
I'm thinking I may have to send it in because now I'm really dying to know how it grades...

Kurisu

I do see a tiny scratch where the indent of his forehead meets his hair below the last S in STATES...

gumby1234

@Kurisu No luck getting it out from its holder yet? It does look very nice.

Jzyskowski1

If those are two little dings on the cheek, and the most recent picture appears to show it, anything on the cheek is not the best of signs.
It’s a beauty and soooo close but I hope there’s nothing on the cheek. Good luck

gumby1234

@Kurisu when you get it out of the holder more pics should be in order. One of the edge too please. Many state quarters were plated I'm hoping not this one, but it has been in the back of my mind.

jesbroken

Cannot give such a grade from the pics. But if I honestly thought it was close enough to a 68 to send in, then I most surely would not tamper with its holder in any way. Send it in as is. Good luck.
Jim

TopcatCoin

Point a hair dryer on high heat setting at it for a few minutes and it will open easily. TC

Kurisu

Thanks for the suggestions for getting it out everyone!!

I have a busy work week but first I'm calling our host, if I don't need to get it out I won't worry about it
I'm definitely going to send it in!

ricko

@Kurisu ... It is certainly a very nice coin, so be sure to let us know when you get the grade. I sure hope it is a 68. Cheers, RickO

lilolme

@Kurisu said:
Thanks for the suggestions for getting it out everyone!!

I have a busy work week but first I'm calling our host, if I don't need to get it out I won't worry about it
I'm definitely going to send it in!

Hope you get to talk to the 'right' person. But if pcgs will do it, then yes.

Here are a couple webpages with information on the submission. So as noted above, get the 'right' person. I believe they accept original packaging and tubes for bulk also.

https://www.pcgs.com/submissionguide

House your coins individually in 2 ½" x 2 ½" mylar flips (we do not accept acrylic snap cases or cardboard and stapled coin holders). Place the coin in the inside front pouch of the flip so the openings of the flip are not exposed. PCGS highly recommends you use mylar flips when submitting your coins for grading. The inert mylar flips will be a better storage unit for your coins while they are in the grading process here at PCGS.
For Grading (raw coins), label each mylar flip using a sticker. Write the submission number and the corresponding line number for that item on the sticker and place it on the flip.

https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins

We ask that you send your coins in 2 ½ x 2 ½ Mylar flips. You can purchase them and other packaging supplies at our online store. Please DO NOT send your coins in stapled holders, 2x2 flips, vinyl flips (that may contain PVC) or tubes, as doing so can cause a delay in processing. Please do not use an excess of tape or packing material.

Place a white sticker on the flip and write the submission and line number that corresponds to that coin. We recommend keeping your coins together in the same order as they are written on your submission form by rubber banding them together.