Whats the Best way to Bust up a Proof Set?

MrKelso

Whats the best way to bust up a proof set with out damaging the coins inside?

I gotta get at that IKE and send it in.

DCAMFranklin

Use a vise. Place a nice towel under the proof set and up between the vise and the proof set. Close the vise until it is nice and tight. Then lift the ends of the towel up a bit for protection. Oh, DO be sure to use eye protection, just in case. Then slowly continue to tighten the vise. Usually the first good "crack" noise will provide access. Good luck!

ClarkOfKent

I'm sure there's as many ways to break the seams as there are members here. But, regardless of how you do it... I would make sure that you hold the two sides together (like between thumb and forefinger, or maybe a small clamp) directly over the coin you cherish the most, so it doesn't pop out and become pocket change.


Clark

MrKelso

Giving it some more thought i wonder if i rotozip the edge off. I am trying to do this with the least amount of dirst and crap getting into the coin chambers.

Rover

What year?

beartracks42

I just use my pocket knife and work at my table over a soft towel. Work the knife blade along the edges where the two halves of the plastic are joined until it starts opening. Then gently work your way around until it comes loose all the way around.

MastaHanky

MrKelso

<< <i>What year? >>


73 silver clad 71s 79 type II

Rover

Don't know on the '73. But the more recent sets are just press-fitted together. Follow Beartracks advice. I just use a pen-knife to wiggle the 2 halfs apart.

Dan

DHeath

For the early 70s sets, they didn't use much glue. I always use wire-cutters to snip off one corner. Then I take a small flat blade screwdriver and insert it all the way into the holder along the edge. Next, twist the screwdriver until the seam gives at the edge. Move the screwdriver further along until the whole side is free, and usually the other side will surrender along the way. BTW - some years, the ring around the individual coins is glued as well. Those are a real pain. Good luck.

DanC

<< <i>Whats the best way to bust up a proof set >>



"Carve it up like a Thanksgiving Turkey"

Quote courtesy of our resident moron.

cladking

The Ike and '79 are easy. The other set can be a little tougher. For all the easiest
way for me is to slam an awl into it. Most just split open. The easy ones can just
be twisted to open.

IrishMike

silicone.

beorn

being a telephone lineman i happen to have access to a digger truck...place the victim,er proof set 7 steps from the right rear of the truck.put sprags down for stability...now unstow the auger.centering the tip of auger over the proof set.make sure you keep auger speed in low range...we dont want to hurt the coins.apply steady down pressure while also engaging digger lever and VIOLA your coins are free.make sure you do this in an open area as the coins may be difficult to find...best of luck

Mikey

proof set come apart easily, just pry them open with a knife blade.