FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Coin Photography, Conservation and Storage => Topic started by: djmacdo on November 05, 2020, 07:56:38 am
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I recently purchased a coin, though it has not arrived yet. I dislike imprisoned coins and want to free it from a standard plastic holder. What is the best way to do so?
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I've only done it once - I used a hacksaw to cut it open, since that seemed safer than smashing it. If you don't have a hacksaw, you could just buy a replacement blade since they're rigid enough to do the job. I seem to recall reading about others squeezing the slab in a vice, but cutting seems more controlled.
Ben
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A bench vise usually does a perfect job
Regards
Klaus
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The newer style NGC slabs are a bit more difficult. Instead of two halves joining together on the side, the top piece of the slab rests down inside the back piece, so the old method of just tapping around the edges to break the seal no longer works.
I've found that hitting a corner to crack/shatter a piece to come off and them using a pliers to move around the edge of the slab and break off the rim seems to work.
Craig
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Being Paleolithic, I favor slamming it with a hammer until something gives. I agree with your hammer and pliers method.
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The newer style NGC slabs are a bit more difficult. Instead of two halves joining together on the side, the top piece of the slab rests down inside the back piece, so the old method of just tapping around the edges to break the seal no longer works.
I've found that hitting a corner to crack/shatter a piece to come off and them using a pliers to move around the edge of the slab and break off the rim seems to work.
Craig
Yes, the new NGC slabs are quite difficult to get into.
Some time ago I got a Cnut penny (see below) in one of the new NGC slabs. The coin is no thicker than a thick piece of paper, and so is very fragile. Vises, pliers, and hammers were out of the question. In the end, I placed the slab between 2 pieces of wood in a vise to hold it steady, and then used a saw with a very thin blade to saw off the bottom of the slab. I was then able to get a small screwdriver into the bottom of the slab. Using a twisting and prying motion with the screwdriver, I was able to work my way up both sides of the slab until the top piece popped off. One piece of advice: Go slow.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4762
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Dremel tool with cutting disk works quickly and safely. Run it along the seam.
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I just use my teeth and tear the slab right open.
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From now on you will be known as Count Molinari......
SC
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Unfortunately we don't all have teeth like Molinari.
Alex
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😲🤣😂
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You might soon be inundated with slab opening work Nick ;D
I opened my first CNG slab on Saturday, i placed the slab on a rubber door matt (i know it sounds unconventional) and gently hit the longer edges over the joints. After a couple of hammer blows the casing came lose and i was then able to gently pry open the slab with a screwdriver. The slab has survived intact and can still be closed, beginers luck perhaps. ::)
Martin
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Best of thanks to all. I anxiously await the arrival of the coin (is there any other way to await a coin in the mails?) and shall be equipped for all suggestions!