What is the best way to crack a coin?

TheRock

Just purchased 12 Proof SBA's from a local show in the original plastic holder. Now the question is, what is the best way to crack the plastic case without damaging the coin. The original cases are very close to the coins on the SBA's.

wam98

A rock Sorry just had to say that. I think the best to crack is with a vice.

TheRock

I'm assuming laying the coin Horizontal in the vice? This coin case is damb coin to the coin. I've done many Proof Sets. That's easy since the plastic is so far away from the coin, but these are so close. I don't want to screw these up, I got some real potentials in this batch.

100proof1957

the vice !

BigGreek

<< <i>the vice ![/q

Vice will work well on PCI and NTC. But on a good slab the vice might be trouble.
With a PCGS slab, I've had a slab literally explode in the vice with plastic (and
coin) flying all over the place. Since that happened I've switched to using a small
(ball/peen) hammer and a pair of leather gloves.

RobJ

I poped out 2 coins from 2 different holders by using a vise. I first ran clear scotch tape down bothsides so they would not explode all over
RJ

TheRock

Here is a quick picture of the original holder from the US mint. Are you sure that a vice is the best?

DNADave

That kind you can get open with your fingernails.

midwestcoin13

Either fingernail or screw driver.

TheRock

Well HOT DAMB, the fingernails trick worked. Thanks for the help. Never would have known this one.

TerrapinWill

I prefer a hammer myself......

relayer

Always wear eye protection

majorbigtime

crack a coin?

Why would anyone want to crack a coin.

The Pan-Pac comm half has a crack on it!