How to crack a slab

Nysoto

What is the best way to remove a coin from a PCI, ANACS, NGC, etc holder?

Wardhaines

I use a vise. You can controll the pressure and speed easily. Put the opposing edges against the jaws and squeeze. This seperates the opposite ends. Put the other ends in and repeat and the halves will seperate easily. If you don't have a vise a sledge hammer works also.

Russ

I use a hammer. Hold the slab with one edge down on a diaper, smack the up edge a couple times until it cracks, than split open with a screwdriver.

Russ, NCNE

gmarguli

ANACS are really easy. Put the long edge on the ground and hit the other with a hammer. The shell will pop open. Same for PCI.

PCGS are harder. I actually use needle nose pliers. I grab one side and turn the pliers and the edge snaps off. Repeat on all sides. The slab usually comes apart. If not, wedge a piece of the pliers in the slab and twist. It'll pop open.

NGC are hard since they switched the plastic. Try cutting them if they don't crack open.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION when cracking a slab unless you want to be blind.

kieferscoins

Cracking Slab thread.

Cameron Kiefer

Wisconsin

I just did two of them last night and used a pliers. I just put the pliers on the edge of the holder and pushed it down to break the side off. Ater doing two sides and the botoom, I was able to pull the center plastic part out and then twist it slightly to have the coin fall out. You really want to be careful prying the plastic off as not to cut yourself or end up scratching the coin with the plastic or your tools. I have to say on the ANACS and PCI it was very easy. I was a little worried before doing it, but it is NO PROBLEM!!!

Placid

Just step on it like you are killing a bug

1907Quarter

I like Russ' advice with the following addition...put finger between plastic and hammer

MastaHanky

Dog97

I use a BFH. 28 oz waffle Estwing.

robertpr

On the Q&A Forum, I asked how PCGS cracks other slabs. Rick Montgomery replied that they use a saw to cut around the periphery of the slab, and then easily lift the top off.

MastaHanky

I found a more politically correct and amusing picture to answer this question:

lordmarcovan

Bah. Amateurish.



(Politically correct? From the mind of Mr. Bear Nuts himself? Bwahahahaha!)

mids1999

why not just use a razor blade?
Insert it at a corner just enough to pop the seal at the corner.
Then wedge it open the rest of the way using the razor blade.