How exactly does one "crack" a coin out?

GottaGetCoins

Is there a best way?

kieferscoins

Here is a good thread on the subject

Cameron Kiefer

Baley

my favorite method is the "bench vice", put slab in (flat, with coin facing up) and squeeze, turn and squeeze, until the seams are "popped", and then open like a book:





I've tried all the methods (hammer, tin snips/screwdriver, pliers/screwdriver, saw, screwdriver) and find that the bench vice is easiest and safest (for both the coin and the cracker's eyes and hands; always use eye protection!)

Russ

Real men use a hammer.





Russ, NCNE

Stuart

Very Carefully!!

chiefbob

Russ,

How does that bin of empty slabs affect the pop reports? Has anyone taken a poll on how many members crack out, # per service, per member, etc? Or is it insignificant?

Bob

ColonialCoinUnion

I grab the slab firmly with both hands, place it inside a cardboard protective envelope and then mail it to someone who knows what the hell they are doing with this stuff so I don't damage a valuable coin and injure myself in the process. That would suck.

ConstellatioCollector

I've cracked out a couple by placing the slab in a vise and gently closing the vise just enough to crack the slab!