How do NGC and PCGS crack coins out?

gsaguy

Anyone know? We've had lots of posts about the best way to do it....well, how do they? Also, anyone know of any damage ever done to a piece by the services while cracking them out?

GSAGUY

ClarkOfKent

I remember someone from one of the services once posted an answer to this question. Wish I could remember which service it was, but I frequent both sides of the street.

They said they had developed a custom method, I got the impression they were referring to a tool or machine, that cracked the slab without harming the coin.

Clark

airplanenut

I think they use band saws... lots of people say they are the best and safest ways to crack out slabs...

TomB

Let Billy Mays yell at it?

gmarguli

With a sonic unsealer.
Actually I was told that they have a "machine" that does it. I didn't get into what type of machine it was. They just said it was a special machine. My special machine is a hammer.

monsterman

it is a special machine.....but not that special.....you could buy one in every town in the usa.....problem is i cant tell ya...its proprietary and they would really be pissed

however all crack-out guys use climes............its those plyers looking tools only the front is rounded and both jaws come to a sharp edges.....its a tool that comes in a plyers set of about 6 different kinds.....and its the one you have never used before

just put a slab into the jaws and crack.....do this just inside of the four corners....not the top or bottom........tool insertion does differ between the different generations of slabs and services

ttl
gregg

monsterman

oh gsaguy

stan h......had a to die for btw.....i was at the auction when he bought it....sittin right next to him....he paid 5 times sheet and was shakin like a leaf......well he was the proud owner of a bonifide moose...........he is very picky and the holder was scratched from pot viewing and he wanted it to be reholdered.....it came back downgraded from a 67 to a 66 becasue they put a little scratch on it......

i was impressed with ngc because they didnt try to hide anything.......keep in mind this is a toned monster.....and you could hardly notice and i dont think anyone would of noticed ( a white coin you would of)....but ngc sent it to him with a note please call us asap about your coin..............

ngc tried to find a moose out there but non to be had.....especially of this monster calibre ( a no questuion top 5 ever coin).....anyway they ended up writtng a 4 figure check and let him keep the 66 btw

ttyl
gregg

PQpeace

I watched them do it at PCGS.
They told me they would downgrade all my coins one point if I tell anybody..

do I want that

Larry

p.s.

I will be fixing my tool soon that does it,and I will post a picture..
Won't be long.

Clankeye

Now that... is an interesting story.


Edited to say the one monsterman just told.

gsaguy

Interesting story Monsterman! But what a disappointment. I bet Stan would much rather have had his coin as he bought it instead of the dough. Did they explain how they did it?

As for that tool you described.....I call them 'front cutting pliers'.......looks like they could lop off the head of a nail with ease! My wife threatens to use them on me from time to time!

GSAGUY

P.S. When you gonna spill the beans and tell me the secret of that crackout method? Don't worry, I have no problem keeping secrets.......it's the people I tell them to that do!!!!!!!

FlyTooHigh

PCGS uses a band saw and then fingerprints the coins for identity. Unfortunately, the fingerprints are on the coins!!

Coppernicus

Airplanenut is correct, I believe. The easiest and safest way to crack 'em (saw 'em) out is with a band saw. That's the only way I have used and I've never damaged one yet!

Coppernicus

dorkkarl

<< <i>I think they use band saws >>

good lord, are you nuts??? you might easily damage the coin!!!

dudes, here's what you do. get a small sauce pan, slap it on the old stove, crank up the burner temp to "maximum blow-torch", toss in the slab. after the plastic melts, pour the plastic gooey stuff in the garbage, leaving just the coin behind. douse in cold water. presto! bonus: if the coin is cleaned, i guarantee it'll have plenty of toning after this procedure.

by the way, it's best to leave this to the profesionals.

K S