Best way to crack-out a coin?

MMagidson

Ok, sorry to ask a stupid question. But i have some coins from 3d tier graders, I want to send for real grades. What's the best way to get them out of their current slabs?

Thanks.

MasterGuns

If you're not concerned about minimum grade, leave them in the holder and send them in for cross over.

FLBuffaloHunter

A sharp blow on the top edges with a hammer works wll for NGC type slabs, the seams will come apart and the slab will open like a book. For PCGS slabs, wrap a towel around the slab edges and placed in a vise until you hear a crack, then repeat on the other side of the slab.

originalisbest

I've found the vise will work well on all slabs, but be careful! It should open like a book (NGC slabs tend to) but I've had PCGS slabs recently crack across the face doing this. In all cases I'd first place clear packing tape on front and back of the slab, to keep it all in place and prevent shards from flying.

Goldbully

or, buy The Coin Cracker!!!


Video

BAJJERFAN

Not a bad idea but keep yer fawkin fingers offa da coin soiface after you open da slab.

gecko109

I just slam mine down onto my driveway as hard as I can.

BAJJERFAN

I trained my wifey to hold it on the railroad tracks while the choo choo goes by.

NHSBaseball

I recently cracked an NGC Slab by inserting my pocketknife into the seam at the upper corner of the slab and twisting, then doing the same at the bottom corner. It was working well at first, but then the slab cracked across the front plastic right in front of the coin, rather than the 2 sides of the "sandwich" popping open. I was fortunate that the coin wasn't damaged, so DON'T try doing it this way.
I think in the future I will cut away the top plastic with a dremel tool (similar to the "slab cracker" above!)

By the way, I don't think it's a stupid question at all.

ziggy29

Depends on who slabbed it. For SEGS, dynamite is a worthwhile option.

Silverstate

I use a bandsaw.

You can cut all of the slabs edges off easily.

Then lift off the top.

VERY quick and clean.

BUT...You best know how to handle a bandsaw BEFORE attempting this stunt at home.
This is for trained professionals!

holeinone1972

1st take some duct tape and secure the slab to your front bumper.
2nd drive really fast at a brick wall.

After impact, back up 3 feet, and retrieve coin.

Voila!

PS make sure the coin is of high enough value to purchase new car, and repair brick building.

Broadstruck

You need to make sure your using MILITARY 100 MILE AN HOUR DUCT TAPE if you gonna try this!

I recall this tape only being rated to 80 mph in the past... wonder how many tax dollars went into the 20mph improvement

OPA

H.D. 2" wide Tile Snippers work for me.

MORGANHUNTER2

6: HD bench vise with a towel wrapped around the slab works real good, and you get a bit o exercise!!

sweetwilliet

See the weapon of choice of my avatar. Works well for me.

orie

A vise works best for me too. Put it in at a bit of an angle, crank down till it pops, turn a quarter and pop again.

sinin1

vice
hacksaw
dremel
coping saw
hammer
screwdriver

it really depends on what slab you are talking about

DJCoinz

<< <i>See the weapon of choice of my avatar. Works well for me. >>

Where can I pick up one of those?

I always use a hacksaw. Much less chance of sending coins flying.

dcarr

I use Karate.

JJM

ModernCrapNut

I use a bolt cutter with a towel wrapped around. The bolt cutter and slab, not me.

foodude

The method to use depends on the type of slab you are cracking. What slab are you trying to crack? Whatever method is used, you should always be in control of the coin. If you are using a method where the coin is not in your control or could be damaged, you are using the wrong method.

The quickest slabs to crack and extract the coins from are IGC and the current PCGS slabs- sometimes you can get the coin and tag out in 3 seconds! The most difficult and time consuming to crack are SEGS.

achillesaero

m100!

MORGANHUNTER2

<< <i> >>

Dawg144

The only slabs I've cracked are NGCs, but what I like to do is hold them in a width-adjustable wrench, and lightly crack each side with a hammer and chisel. I've only cut through the plastic insert once.