What is the correct way to open a proof case?

Charlie184 · January 19, 2006 2:37AM

What is the correct way to open one of the hard plastic proof cases, as to not damage the coins?

And, thanks to all you guys who respond to my seemingly minor questions. I have a strong desire to retain the integrity of my coins, increase my collection, and my knowledge of them. Your input is very valuable.
Charlie

MajorDuty · January 19, 2006 2:40AM

Sometimes you can use your fingernails. When that's not possible you can simply use a sharp knife to wedge the blade in between the plastic, and then carefully and gently rock it using a fulcrum action. It works.

50cents · January 19, 2006 2:42AM

Butter knife

TommyB · January 19, 2006 2:44AM

I use a steak knife, put it between the sides at a corner and pry apart. After the sides are separated, the insert will bend, and as it does the coins will pop out. If they don't, I just push them out while wearing thin cotton gloves. I do all of this at the dining room table on top of a large soft towel.

flaminio · January 19, 2006 2:44AM

paigowjohnny · January 19, 2006 2:48AM

EJB · January 19, 2006 2:51AM

.......I tried it once on a three piece silver bicentennial set an it was a BEACH. Took almost an hour, it was like they welded them together at the mint...............Go slow,..........

Bailey1977 · January 19, 2006 2:53AM

Love the chainsaw LoL

LanLord · January 19, 2006 3:11AM

Seems to me it's different based on which years.

1979, 80 and 81 are nearly impossible unless you take them apart like a jigsaw puzzle (a hammer won't do it).
1999 and on almost fall apart when you apply a bit of tortion to the case.
I don't crack a lot, so I don't know much about the late 60s and most of the 70s but I doubt they could be as hard as the first 3 above.

Gemineye · January 19, 2006 3:35AM

Use a Dremel blade around the edge carefully not going inside the case.Then pry into the groove.Works great...............

291fifth · January 19, 2006 4:01AM

Your primary concern should be your own safety. Some of those cases are very difficult to open. Beware of plastic shards!

xbob · January 19, 2006 4:52AM

I use a spider with suction cup hands. Just look at that grip!!

edit: Oops, I thought you were talking about proofs in capsules. I don't think spider can do proof sets

.

TorinoCobra71 · January 19, 2006 4:53AM

Where is my Hammer and Chisel at?

TorinoCobra71

cladking · January 19, 2006 5:03AM

My preferred method is to use an awl or sharpened screwdriver. Set the case on the
floor between you feet upright, and slam the awl between two of the coins at the top.
Dependent on date this will cleanly open a very high percentage of the cases.

Wear safety glasses. Shards are sometimes thrown at remarkably high speed and are
very sharp.

Some coins like the '68 nickels will require that you break the set further.

For large quantities at least one firm uses a two by four with a slot in the end. The set
is held stable and they twist it open with the 2x4.

relayer · January 19, 2006 5:04AM

t depends on the year.

The best way is to use a table saw and saw off the four edges.

For pre-1973 and post 1979 sets PUT ON SAFETY GLASSES then you can twist the edges to get them to crack and then and seperate the case by prying with a screwdriver.

You never know when a chard of plastic will come flying off - and they do.

tsacch · January 19, 2006 7:41AM

Wow....a table saw.....imagine slipping and ruining not only the precious set, but several fingers while at it.......all for the little silver disks that make all of us nuts/broke/fight with the SI/drive long distances to look at them., etc.

natescoins2005 · January 19, 2006 12:01PM

what do coins, usually grade for when taken out out of proof sets or mint rolls

Conder101 · January 19, 2006 5:35PM

<< <i>1999 and on almost fall apart when you apply a bit of tortion to the case. >>

Because unlike the earlier sets, 1999 and later are not sealed.

Coindexter · January 19, 2006 5:53PM

Exacto makes a blade which is flat like a chisel. I find this to be very effective in opening proof sets. I've cracked about 30 1979 sets (my birth year) and they really suck. After a bit of practice you'll be fine.

What is the correct way to open a proof case?

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