How do you crack out the coins from a 1976 silver proof set?

Steve27

I've opened a couple slabs (it was easy), and I've opened proof sets, in which a number of coins were in a single plastic shell (not too hard), but how do you open the individual holders in a 1976 silver proof set without damaging the coins?

edsondl

Don't they just pop apart like an airtite or the capsules for the proof silver eagles? I would just use a knife blade at the seam and carefully pry it open.

Steve27

These appear to be glued shut; it it possible that the prvious owner glued them?

baccaruda

no, i have washington commems and they are also sealed. i don't remember how i got mine open but it was definitely not a science. i did manage to get it out without putting a torch to it - but i put a torch to it anyway when i saw a toned piece go for $900.

maybe try a vice and squeeze it just til it cracks.

TheNumish

I've had the same problem. The only way I know is to take pliers or wire cutters and carefully squeze the edge until you crack it in a few places and then it will pull apart. You have to be really careful because it is so easy to scratch the coin. I've thought about trying to hold the coin on the edge and tapping it with a hammer until the plastic cracks but haven't tried that yet.

Johnscoin

As you probably know, each proof set has a certain way to crack it open without damaging anything. I believe the 76 Proof Set is the one with the 3 individual coins in capsules right? Take a pair of needlenose pliers and just rock back and forth on the edge of the capsule. Eventually it will open and it shouldn't damage the coin. I have to do it at work all of the time, but it can definitely be tricky... Goodluck!

itsnotjustme

I've had a very hard time with these. My latest method is to squeeze them from the edges in a vice or clamp. Slowly crank until it begins to crack... rotate a quarter turn (no pun intended) then repeat.

MacCoin

I like the way they are now but I think a screwdrive and and hammer would do the trick.

cladking

oops!

supercoin

I use a razor blade forced into the seam all the way around the coin to break the seal, then you can pop the two halves apart. Proceed at your own risk.

dbldie55

Chainsaw. Just clamp an edge as tight as you can in a vise, and hit the rest with the chain saw. Should be able to get what's left right out.

DanC

y'know... actually - a DREMEL comes to mind...

supercoin

* Patent pending.

4bits

When i don`t have the right tools to break a tire loose from the rim i place the edge of the wheel behind one of the tires and back over it a few times, it might work on the coin capsule too if you put soap around the rim first.

Gary

supercoin

Certified 100% Organic solution -- insert capsule as indicated:

cosmicdebris

Tad, what were we drinking tonight?

supercoin

Final solution...

pontiacinf

steve i go around the edge with a small wire cutter....break the seams and it will open, if not
I have a magneto, some caps and a few sticks in da garage

laserart

I've said it before so one more time won't hurt, take it to your local trophy shop that has a laser and he can cut it open for you slicker than snot on a doorknob.