Best Way To Open Proof Sets? - More Help Needed Please

Lori

I tried to find this topic in the search because it seems to me I read something about this once. I would like to know the best way to open proof sets without damaging the coin (of course). I have a 83 set that I want to open. Thanks for the info!

PS. Is the best way to handle the coins to put cotton gloves on and put coin in a flap?

Lori


More help needed:


I got the plastic open using a box cutter. It worked real good. My question is how do you get the coins out of the black without touching it much. I thought that black would be flexible and it isn't. Please help!

paigowjohnny

I read an article...I think in Coin World...keep the set in the cardboard box...grab the ends and twist hard until you hear the case give. Then be REAL careful clearing the plastic and poking the coins out of the holes.

MadMarty

For all of them except the ones with the black plastic border, I use a hammer and chisel. Work great.

braddick

If you're trying to preserve the hard plastic proof holder for future use then with a ball ping hammer, tap (ever so gently, yet firmly) the edges, all the way around.
On the second or third pass the case should separate apart.

cladking

The really big dismantlers use a 2'X4' with a slot the width of the set and twist
it until it opens. I've used an awl slammed between the half and quarter to pry
these apart. Some sets are much harder than others but most of the '83's are
among the easiest.

gmarguli

Be careful if trying to twist the set apart. The plastic can break and I've had BIG hunks of skin lopped off in the past by doing this. I've also has shards fly into my hands. Ouch!

ClausUrch

Wear eye protection also; those shards fly and are nasty!

braddick

<< <i>Be careful if trying to twist the set apart. The plastic can break and I've had BIG hunks of skin lopped off in the past by doing this. I've also has shards fly into my hands. Ouch! >>



No wonder ACG charges an extra $1. per coin if they're not submitted in soft plastic flips.
Eye surgery is expensive.

MrKelso

Wear eye protection and use a Roto Zip it works great. go all along the edge. Use a vise to hold the set and place two sponges one on each side to help hold it in the vise. Also wear a mask so as not to breath the pastic dust. 2 Minutes and your in.

Edited to add: a dremel works good to.

Cam40

Best Way To Open Proof Sets?

Duh !?!?!?! Very carfully ofcourse.Gah!!!!

No really,I think braddick has the best idea but did forget to mention eye protection.

To open a set like this you need only to break the seal around the edge.Standing it up on its edge and tapping with a hammer on the edge ,it should crack the seal.

No need for gloves etc.Just grab the coins by the edges and not touch the surfaces on the heads or tails sides.

With gloves it could give you a false sense of security and you,d slightly scuff the surfaces by holding it improperly even though you had on cotton golves.
Cotton gloves.I hate em..

DesertLizard

I use a Black & Deck 8000rpm 2" chainsaw. Leaves nothing but powered plastic!

Lori

I got the plastic open using a box cutter. It worked real good. My question is how do you get the coins out of the black without touching it much. I thought that black would be flexible and it isn't. Please help!

Lori

Outhaul

relayer

Get some cotton gloves and push out the coin with 1 finger gently into a gloved hand (or onto a felt pad on a table).

Or you can use the PCGS method and skip the glove part.

But be a little more gentle than Outhauls visual aid