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Anyone ever try to open a PCGS slabbed coin?

eddiegoeddiego Posts: 101 ✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Well I opened one today. I put it in a vice and cut it open with a Dremmel tool cutting blade, and then put a screwdriver in to it, & pried it open. believe it or not the coin came out uninjured. If I ever have to do it again, is there a better way?

Comments

  • GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Bandsaw all 4 edges.
  • lostincoinslostincoins Posts: 4,278 ✭
    wrap in towel smack on edge with hammer twist open.
  • OldEastsideOldEastside Posts: 4,602 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Bandsaw all 4 edges. >>




    This........it takes about 10 seconds

    Steve
    Promote the Hobby
  • giantsfan20giantsfan20 Posts: 1,722 ✭✭✭✭
    What is the "official PCGS" method when they do it at shows etc?image
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,866 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Does anyone know how they do it at PCGS for regrades & reholders?
  • SoCalBigMarkSoCalBigMark Posts: 2,804 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Tile nippers.



    image
  • magikbillymagikbilly Posts: 6,780 ✭
    Many methods to be found with the search feature here.

    Eric
  • bigjpstbigjpst Posts: 3,193 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Tile nippers.



    image >>



    This is my preferred method. image
    JRobinsonRareCoins.com

    My Ebay Store

  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,653 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Diagonal cutters is the technical name for "dikes".
    Although, it's not a recommendation (cracking out ) merely a tool and added fluff for the crowd.

    ``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5

  • magikbillymagikbilly Posts: 6,780 ✭
    EYE PROTECTION whatever you do.

    Eric
  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,894 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I've shown this before. I am surprised more folks don't use this method. Takes only a few seconds and it's foolproof.
    Lance.

    imageimageimageimage
    Coin Photography Services / Everyman Registry set / BHNC #213
  • coin4salecoin4sale Posts: 375 ✭✭✭
    wrap in towel, hit on long edge with hammer on hard surface ( i use anvil or cement floor)

    or wrap in towel, put in vice and crank till it cracks ( you'll hear it).

    A little ad"vice", you may want to practice this technique on inexpensive coins until you got it down pat.
    BT&C
  • LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I've shown this before. I am surprised more folks don't use this method. Takes only a few seconds and it's foolproof.
    Lance. >>



    +1

    i use 18" (give or take) bolt cutters and the pcgs slabs break straight across the middle. ngc can be the hardest imo. anacs are a breeze.
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I've seen dealers just continually toss them at the concrete floor at shows till they finally open image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .
    did someone ask how to rotate a coin in a pcgs holder? some of you may remember this. lolx5

    oh, we are discussing opening holders. ok, here is that link. image

    i may need to try this method next

    i've been trying to find the video again of the saw a guy used around the edge of a slab. been looking to find it for a LONG time. image
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The above methods all work well.... the biggest threat is maintaining control of the slab and not dropping or otherwise damaging the coin (oh yes, safety measures such as glasses also apply). Cheers, RickO
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,417 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Does anyone know how they do it at PCGS for regrades & reholders? >>



    They use a bandsaw.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,417 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Tile nippers.



    image >>



    This.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • foodudefoodude Posts: 3,583 ✭✭✭
    A variation of the technique "lkeigwin" illustrated is to snip the slab from the top. Sometimes one snip fress the coin and the tag; other wise one snip at the top for the tag, and one snip at the bottom fpor the coin. It is as someone mention above very important to always be in control of the coin. Eye wear is also important.
    Greg Allen Coins, LLC Show Schedule: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/573044/our-show-schedule-updated-10-2-16 Authorized dealer for NGC, PCGS, CAC, and QA. Member of PNG, RTT (Founding Platinum Member), FUN, MSNS, and NCBA (formerly ICTA); Life Member of ANA and CSNS. NCBA Board member. "GA3" on CCE.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,417 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I've shown this before. I am surprised more folks don't use this method. Takes only a few seconds and it's foolproof.
    Lance. >>



    +1

    i use 18" (give or take) bolt cutters and the pcgs slabs break straight across the middle. ngc can be the hardest imo. anacs are a breeze.
    . >>



    The best way to open a NGC slab is to wrap it in a towel/paper towel, put it in a vise and slowly squeeze until you hear the seams pop. It then easily comes apart like a properly cracked walnut or pecan.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • Wabbit2313Wabbit2313 Posts: 7,268 ✭✭✭✭✭

    My new favorite way is to put the PCGS slab in a vice, crank up the pressure, whack the edge and it pops open. This way, the label is easily removed also.
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,492 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Bandsaw all 4 edges. >>




    This........it takes about 10 seconds

    Steve >>

    "IF" you happen to have a band saw.
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • stevebensteveben Posts: 4,643 ✭✭✭✭✭
    i recommend the towel and hammer method. it contains all the pieces and keeps them from flying everywhere.
  • JBNJBN Posts: 1,922 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Tile nippers.



    image >>



    This is absolutely the best method.
    Nip only on the edge of the slab - no need to go beyond the ridge located about a quarter of an inch in. First nip is at the level of the label to fetch the label. Second nip in at the level of the middle of the coin. When Charmy Harker showed me this at a show, I was amazed at the effectiveness. Having re-tiled many kitchens and baths at my properties, I already had the nipper in my workshop.
  • ColonelJessupColonelJessup Posts: 6,442 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Tile nippers.



    image >>



    JAWS OF LIFE. . . . image
    "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell

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