Options
Breaking slabs
Russell12
Posts: 381 ✭✭✭✭
When PCGS reholders a coin, how do they open the slabs?
0
Comments
I can't speak to how PCGS does it, but in my limited experience (1 crackout so far) it seemed the safest to use wire cutters on the side, level with the center of the coin.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
I once heard it was a band saw.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I use this, whatever it's called. Nail pliers? Nail puller? Cutting pliers?
Cut bottom-center and/or on the side by the widest part of the opening. Wrap in a napkin or something first to catch any shards.
I've also heard to use a dremel, but I haven't gone there yet. This works. It's a fair amount of effort, but it works.
This is how I've done it on a few occasions. Pieces sometimes go flying, but it works well and is quick. I'd like to find a cleaner way. A bandsaw would work nicely, but I'd just worry about dust from the blade getting on the coin.
Tile nippers
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I just put the slab on edge on a hard surface (concrete patio, for example) and whack the edge with a hammer a few times. Rotate and whack all four edges. Then slip a flat head screwdriver between the shells, distant from the coin, and twist it open. I've only cracked small coins so no danger of it slipping around or getting an edge hit from my hammer.
I did it recently at my local coin club as I was demonstrating how to submit coins. Got a lot of interest: "Why would you crack open a slab???" :-)
No idea how the TPGs do it!
My (infrequently updated) hobby website Groovycoins.com
why crack open a slapped coin?
simple: because the slapping TPG (not our host) totally misgraded and incorrectly designated the coin.
and send it to another TPG.
For NGC Slabs I wrap the slab in a cloth (wash cloth) and set the sides on a hard surface and tap all sides with a hammer. Slab will pop open. Have not been successful with this on PCGS slabs. I use a Nipper as noted above.
I just put it in an envelope and mail it to myself. The Post Office takes care of the rest.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I use a vise, put it in crosswise, squeeze until it pops, turn it put it in lengthwise and do the same. NGC slabs sometimes pop open with no damage to the slab and could be reused. Kind of worrisome actually.
What is a slapping TPG, asking for a friend.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
I do that for coins I never want to see again.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Whatever you do, wear safety glasses.
Coming this Fall on AMC:
"Breaking Slabs"
Starring, "The Rock"
peacockcoins
I use a table saw and cut off each end. The slab just falls apart and no risk to the coin.
Overland Trail Collection Showcase
Dahlonega Type Set-2008 PCGS Best Exhibited Set
must have a table saw..???
A chainsaw would also work but I wouldn't recommend it.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
We call these dino nail clippers
Collector
91 Positive BST transactions buying and selling with 56 members and counting!
instagram.com/klnumismatics
As @messydesk said, band saw. Easily saves label and only operator error can damage coin.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Operator error is fixin' to damage a lot more than a coin in that picture. I hope Lefty's health insurance is paid up.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
May sound odd I just put a pair of gloves on and crack the case with my hands. Never had any issues. Both NGC and PCGS cases crack fairly easily. I am a middle aged man so still have enough strength to get it done this way. I do it over a shower towel so it is easy to pick up the pieces after it cracks.
I have used cutting pliers in the past. Just easier I find with my hands. Just wear a pair of gloves as to not injure your hands. I should wear safety glasses as well just never crossed my mind till today.
The most I have done in one day is 1 slab so my hands don't get tired.
I always keep the old labels.
I would imagine PCGS does not do it this way. But hey it works for me. My coins are not expensive so will continue doing the way I do till I truly need pliers.
This is a classic now.
Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc
I can't speak to how PCGS does it, but I use a vice for NGC slabs. 95% of the time, they just pop open without shattering and it takes maybe 10-20 seconds per slab at most. Nippers are best for PCGS/CACG in my experience.
My eBay page: https://www.ebay.com/usr/alvareznumismatics
Just smash the coin on the ground. IDK whats so hard lol
God comes first in everything I do. I’m dedicated to serving Him with my whole life. Coin collecting is just a hobby—but even in that, I seek to honor Him. ✝️
This should do it:
Honestly the porch deck method seems effective.
Shove the label side of the holder in the space between deck planks. Step on the plastic holder until it splits in the middle
Fast and simple.
The substantial truth doctrine is an important defense in defamation law that allows individuals to avoid liability if the gist of their statement was true.
I use a hammer and pulverize the edges into total oblivion.
I have a method that always works, requires no special tools and leaves the slab largely intact without any risk to the coin or medal within.
The top edge of the slab has two tiny triangular arrows.. Place the slab vertical and stable so it doesn’t slip. Place the flat edge “ blade “ of a small screwdriver on one of these points of the arrow
and sternly rap the top handle of the small screwdriver with a hammer, perhaps 3 times so the screwdriver blade literally enters and “ peels” the thinner plastic part of the slab slightly apart. Then do the same procedure on the other top slab edge arrow, peeling it away from the thicker portion of the slab. You’ve then slightly opened the entire top edge of the slab ! Use the screwdriver blade to widen the open gap and then use your fingertips to forcefully peel away the top plastic “ sheet” thereby exposing the coin / medal.
This is by far the safest, quickest method of opening a slab without any risk to the coin or medal.
Use a tissue or soft clean cloth to press out the slab contents, preferably first on the surrounding flexible insert holding the coin or medal. I have used this process on 2” slabs and massive 6-8” slabs
and it always works.
David Hall mentioned here a long time ago that they do/did use a bandsaw with a vacuum attached to catch all of the dust during the process.
Your hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need it.
Not sure this is the best method, but this did work well for Sam.
Decades ago on the Long Beach coin show bourse floor, I personally watched San Diego dealer Harlan White ( long deceased ) standing in the aisle, raise his arm above his head, loudly yelling a profanity, and forcefully threw a slabbed $50 gold slug down to the concrete floor, clearly disenchanted with the slab grade
You could easily hear the gold slug hit the concrete floor repeatedly, bouncing along.
I don't recommend this slab opening process.
Put the slab on edge on a concrete floor and bash it with a hammer. Never had a problem with any of them.
Nice link, that is the fastest I have even seen one opened with minimal effort!
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
I use a hammer on hit it on edge on a towel. I work all sides until it cracks and they come apart really easy.
I do it the exact same way but cover the slab with a towel, top and bottom, to prevent flying pieces of plastic.
There was a short video here a while ago (can't find it now) of a guy breaking open a slab by putting it between two 2x6 deck boards and using his foot! 🤣
😂
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
👍 👍
I should start a new thread.... "The Most Brilliant Responses Ever"
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )