Slab Crraaaaaackkkking 101

coinerd

I have a coin in another service's slab that I want to
submit to PCGS as a raw coin to be graded (not as a
crossover attempt). Is it enough to just crack open the
top of the slab and take out the tag? If I send it to
PCGS with the coin encased in its slab with a jagged
edge on top where I removed the tag will they deal with
it as a raw coin? I would prefer this so I don't have to
potentially further corrupt the coin by making it totally
raw and putting in a flip (the less I 'handle' it the
better).
Also, what do people use to crack open slabs? I've tried
bolt cutters but little pieces of plastic go flying all
over the place!

Steve27

I would completely remove it from the slab. I use a saw with at least 16 teeth to the inch (e.g. a hacksaw) to open the slab without making a bang.

dorkkarl

no slab at all is best.

K S

banknote1

I am confused, which is normal. If you send in a coin for crossover and don't specify a min. grade, doesn't PCGS treat the coin as a RAW coin?

sinin1

I am sure PCGS would rather have the coin in a flip because it is easier to handle.

It is scary cutting and breaking slabs on valuable coins.

Now I use a 4 inch vise - tighten until I hear a crack, then the other direction
may have to repeat again until both sides easily pry apart, usually no broken plastic.

Dog97

That's an interesting ? coinnerd! I know PCGS will remove coins from Mint capsules but I think they would frown on having to deal with a partial slab.
To crack them I use a 28oz waffle face Estwing and smash the edge on the stone hearth on my fireplace. Actually it's more tapping along the edge until it seperates, working around the holder until enough plastic falls off to get the coin out. It's really easy but PCGS slabs are really tough.

Russ

<< <i>To crack them I use a 28oz waffle face Estwing >>



Ah, a professional!

Russ, NCNE

K6AZ

I prefer the vise method myself. It is especially handy on ANACS slabs. Those are tough little boogers.

clackamas

Anacs slabs are the easiest. I use a 28 oz. vaugn framing axe and whack the edges till they crack. I can get an ANACS slab open so you could alomst put it back together again and get away with it. PCGS's shatter so be careful.

TONEDDOLLARS

I have found the best way to do PCGS is to snip the case under the label with a pair of diagonial cutting pliers. I have seen my dealer do this many times and no harm no foul.

jom

Sledge hammer! Sledge hammer! Raw! Raw! Raw!

jom