Lucite encased coins

Alltheabove76 · November 24, 2013 1:46AM

If someone found a key date or rare variety coin encased as below, is there any method of extracting the coin that wouldnt harm the coin?

Broadstruck · November 24, 2013 2:36AM

Although I haven't done it feel that acetone might melt the lucite like an ice cube... Then again I could be wrong

BAJJERFAN · November 24, 2013 2:40AM

I'd get a small coping saw and cut it out as best/if I could and maybe carefully chisel excess material away, then try the acetone.

LindeDad · November 24, 2013 2:54AM

Agree on the acetone but think it would be like melting a iceberg very slow and messy.

BAJJERFAN · November 24, 2013 3:04AM

<< <i>Agree on the acetone but think it would be like melting a iceberg very slow and messy. >>

Not if one used a Soxhlet Extractor.

ricko · November 24, 2013 3:08AM

Remove as much lucite mechanically as possible - avoid coin damage.... then soak in acetone... will take a while, and might need some fluid changes (keep it sealed to avoid evaporation). Tapping the chunks sharply as the material becomes smaller can result in the release of the coin - great care must be exercised in this endeavor. Final soakings will be necessary to remove all residues. When clean of lucite, final rinses with alcohol and hot water will neutralize any chemical traces remaining. Cheers, RickO

WaterSport · November 24, 2013 3:10AM

Wow from that description I think RickO has "Been there-done that!"

WS

Alltheabove76 · November 24, 2013 3:11AM

I just googled and found that the melting point of lucite is 320F. Far lower than any metals used in coins. I think you could probably use heat carefully and get it out.

Swampboy · November 24, 2013 3:15AM

Broadstruck · November 24, 2013 3:33AM

<< <i>I just googled and found that the melting point of lucite is 320F. Far lower than any metals used in coins. I think you could probably use heat carefully and get it out. >>

Not sure what's in this block that might be worth all the work involved to free it?

The other thing you need to take into considerations is that many of the coins entombed in Lucite have been prettied up by polishing so they shine.

MsMorrisine · November 24, 2013 3:47AM

I've never done it, but NO HEAT

listen to ricko.

also, as mentioned, I have worked with acetone and it and its fumes are highly combustible. be careful.

Alltheabove76 · November 24, 2013 3:59AM

I wasn't referring to the coins in the photo as candidates for removal, it just reminded of a 1909-S BU IHC I saw in lucite once.

lcoopie · November 24, 2013 4:08AM

i seem to recall freezing the thing, perhaps with liquid nitrogen, then hit it with a hammer

MsMorrisine · November 24, 2013 4:18AM

<< <i>i seem to recall freezing the thing, perhaps with liquid nitrogen, then hit it with a hammer >>

at those temps, I'd be afraid the metal would be brittle and break too

tahoe98 · November 24, 2013 6:02AM

...stick in oven at 450 degrees, 20 minutes later pour off lucite into jar for re-cycling....

lostincoins · November 24, 2013 9:01AM

Heating the coins will discolor them.

Alan V. Weinberg writes: "Following advice I received some
years ago from an unknown numismatist, I have had complete
success extracting coins & medals from paperweight-size
Lucite by placing the Lucite object overnight in the
freezer, then taking it to the garage cement floor , placing
it down on top of a blanket and hitting the uncovered Lucite
directly & sharply once or twice with a hammer . The frozen
cold Lucite shatters and you can extract the coin. I emphasize
use a blanket because sometimes the coin will go flying when
you hit the Lucite and you don't want the coin to hit the
cement and dent. Also wear some sort of glasses so Lucite
shards don't fly into your eyes. It works!"

Lucite encased coins

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