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What's the best way to open a PCGS slab safely??

RB1026RB1026 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Just picked up a couple nice old nickels and want to put them in an album. What the safest way to open a slab so as not to harm the coin???

Thanks in advance,
Roger

Comments

  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post.
  • seateddimeseateddime Posts: 6,180 ✭✭✭
    with a cutter, around the edge
    I seldom check PM's but do check emails often jason@seated.org

    Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.

    Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post. >>




    Those items are only used on SEGS slabs!!!
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

  • FrankcoinsFrankcoins Posts: 4,571 ✭✭✭
    Tile nipper
    Frank Provasek - PCGS Authorized Dealer, Life Member ANA, Member TNA. www.frankcoins.com
  • quickwingquickwing Posts: 1,155
    "

    << <i>with a cutter, around the edge >>

    "

    image


    I use a hacksaw. Safe for the coin (and the label which I like to save). "Busted out" 24 the other night in about 45mins.
    OLDER IS BETTER
  • JeremyDie1JeremyDie1 Posts: 2,383 ✭✭✭
    image





    imageimage
  • IrishMikeIrishMike Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭
    You could always try what a forum member used to clean the slab......................acetone. image Make sure you put the butt out first though.
  • DeadhorseDeadhorse Posts: 3,720 ✭
    Since I've got a table saw, I decided to give that a try.

    It's the easiest and cleanest way to do it. I just shear off the outer edges and it comes apart clean. Only takes a few seconds.

    A hacksaw will do the same thing, just takes a little longer. I've also used a tile nipper, just take off the corners first and it should fall apart.



    "Lenin is certainly right. There is no subtler or more severe means of overturning the existing basis of society(destroy capitalism) than to debauch the currency. The process engages all the hidden forces of economic law on the side of destruction, and it does it in a manner which not one man in a million is able to diagnose."
    John Marnard Keynes, The Economic Consequences of the Peace, 1920, page 235ff
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,510 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Just picked up a couple nice old nickels and want to put them in an album. What the safest way to open a slab so as not to harm the coin???

    Thanks in advance,
    Roger >>



    Some might suggest the only safe place to crack out a PCGS slab is across the street image. It might upgrade. image
  • guitarwesguitarwes Posts: 9,289 ✭✭✭

    wrap it in an old t-shirt or hand towel on all sides. set it on a concrete floor and hit the short side of it first, then turn it 90 degrees and hit one of the long sides. When you unwrap it, it should be either cracked enough to pull it apart or it should pop open when you twist it a little.

    or, tile nippers work well also.

    @ Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook. Check out my work.
    Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    tin snips.......................but be CAREFUL!
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Dremel tool... fast, easy, clean, coin undamaged. Cheers, RickO
  • 57loaded57loaded Posts: 4,967 ✭✭✭
    i have used PVC pipe cutting cable and a vise.

    NGC and ICG just pop open when put in a vise with a wee bit of pressure. the pcgs slabs are tough nutz and need to be cut.
  • mozeppamozeppa Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭
    What's the best way to open a PCGS slab safely??


    sand wedge.

    ..stick slab into sand ...remember to keep your head down and to follow thru.
  • JJMJJM Posts: 8,080 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
    👍BST's erickso1,cone10,MICHAELDIXON,TennesseeDave,p8nt,jmdm1194,RWW,robkool,Ahrensdad,Timbuk3,Downtown1974,bigjpst,mustanggt,Yorkshireman,idratherbgardening,SurfinxHI,derryb,masscrew,Walkerguy21D,MJ1927,sniocsu,Coll3tor,doubleeagle07,luciobar1980,PerryHall,SNMAM,mbcoin,liefgold,keyman64,maprince230,TorinoCobra71,RB1026,Weiss,LukeMarshall,Wingsrule,Silveryfire, pointfivezero,IKE1964,AL410, Tdec1000, AnkurJ,guitarwes,Type2,Bp777,jfoot113,JWP,mattniss,dantheman984,jclovescoins,Collectorcoins,Weather11am,Namvet69,kansasman,Bruce7789,ADG,Larrob37,Waverly, justindan
  • YukonCharlieYukonCharlie Posts: 26
    Run them over gently with your truck and they usually pop right out.
    Rampart Coins
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,227 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I saw a gent at ANA in Milwaukee crackin out Saints in PCGS slabs. He used a tile nipper or one of those blunt ended side-cutting pliers and just touched one side about halfway up. I bet he did 10 of em in 30 seconds.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • tmot99tmot99 Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post. >>



    You forgot flame throwers. image

    image
  • mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Several forum members are right now on google images looking for sledgehammers, jackhammers, chainsaws, and wrecking balls to make their clever answer to this post. >>



    You forgot flame throwers. image

    >>



    I was heading to Google to find a flamethrower image also, but the first comment took all of the fun out of it.image
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
  • Newcomp103Newcomp103 Posts: 2,223 ✭
    So...are you telling me that some people actually DON'T want coins in PCGS holders??? image
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    I'm sorry. I meant the comment in the same vein of fun as the photos would have been. I'll hold my tongue next time. --Jerry
  • slabfabslabfab Posts: 230
    Double barrel shotgun. Have the wife carefully balance on her head, but take careful aim that you do not damage the coin image
    Frank

    E PLVRIBVS VNVM
  • CoinKing1969CoinKing1969 Posts: 350
    Thought this was interesting. Go to coincracker.com and they actually have a machine that cuts the edges of slabs. He is also showing one on YouTube(just search on certified coins and you see his at the top)I never used one but looks coolimage
  • PQMorgansPQMorgans Posts: 727 ✭
    Whatever way you decide Please wear "Safty Glasses". If they only work 1 time you will be thankfull.

    "Forsight is better then NO SIGHT"
    Missing My Life -PSA-Please Watch- 30 seconds could help someone you know

    "If I say something in the woods, and my wife isn't around to hear it. Am I still wrong?"
  • BlindedByEgoBlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Safety glasses are a great idea, and the below cost less than $25 at Home Depot and work a charm:

    image

    Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1

  • CameonutCameonut Posts: 7,349 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have tried a number of methods, but when I saw a major dealer cracking out coins at a back table with an end cutter, I gave it a try. One nip at 3 o'clock and you are done! Here is a link - End Cutter

    Please make sure you wear safety glasses - you can create sharp shards of plastic that can hurt. For added safety, I also crack them out under a piece of cloth.

    “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

    My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!

  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,227 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I have tried a number of methods, but when I saw a major dealer cracking out coins at a back table with an end cutter, I gave it a try. One nip at 3 o'clock and you are done! Here is a link - End Cutter

    Please make sure you wear safety glasses - you can create sharp shards of plastic that can hurt. For added safety, I also crack them out under a piece of cloth. >>



    Was that the same guy I saw in Milwaukee? A little nip at 3 o'clock and the PCGS slab split right across the middle. Just simply pull the 2 halves apart. Pretty neat huh??
    theknowitalltroll;
  • Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just tap the eages wih a hammer and you can hear it opening up then pull it apart. image


    Hoard the keys.
  • NumisOxideNumisOxide Posts: 10,997 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hammer.

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