Anyone ever try to open a PCGS slabbed coin?

eddiego · July 10, 2014 12:42PM

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?

Goldbully · July 10, 2014 12:44PM

Bandsaw all 4 edges.

lostincoins · July 10, 2014 12:49PM

wrap in towel smack on edge with hammer twist open.

OldEastside · July 10, 2014 12:50PM

<< Bandsaw all 4 edges. >>

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

Steve

giantsfan20 · July 10, 2014 1:19PM

What is the "official PCGS" method when they do it at shows etc?

BryceM · July 10, 2014 1:19PM

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

SoCalBigMark · July 10, 2014 1:39PM

Tile nippers.

magikbilly · July 10, 2014 1:40PM

Many methods to be found with the search feature here.

Eric

bigjpst · July 10, 2014 1:41PM

<< Tile nippers.

>>

This is my preferred method.

TwoSides2aCoin · July 10, 2014 1:48PM

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.

magikbilly · July 10, 2014 1:49PM

EYE PROTECTION whatever you do.

Eric

lkeigwin · July 10, 2014 2:00PM

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.

coin4sale · July 10, 2014 2:03PM

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.

LanceNewmanOCC · July 10, 2014 2:06PM

<< 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.
.

Broadstruck · July 10, 2014 2:07PM

I've seen dealers just continually toss them at the concrete floor at shows till they finally open

LanceNewmanOCC · July 10, 2014 2:46PM

.
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.

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.

.

ricko · July 10, 2014 9:52PM

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

BAJJERFAN · July 10, 2014 10:06PM

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

They use a bandsaw.

BAJJERFAN · July 10, 2014 10:07PM

<< Tile nippers.

>>

This.

foodude · July 10, 2014 10:26PM

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.

BAJJERFAN · July 10, 2014 11:57PM

<< 

<< 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.

Wabbit2313 · July 11, 2014 1:02AM

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.

19Lyds · July 11, 2014 1:38AM

<< 

<< Bandsaw all 4 edges. >>

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

Steve >>

"IF" you happen to have a band saw.

steveben · July 11, 2014 1:42AM

i recommend the towel and hammer method. it contains all the pieces and keeps them from flying everywhere.

JBN · July 11, 2014 4:54AM

<< Tile nippers.

>>

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.

ColonelJessup · July 11, 2014 10:58AM

<< Tile nippers.

>>

JAWS OF LIFE. . . .

Anyone ever try to open a PCGS slabbed coin?

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