Best way to crack out of slab

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by MKent, Dec 20, 2014.

  1. MKent

    MKent Well-Known Member

    I have a dansco for Jefferson nickels and I want to fill a hole with one that is graded but don't want to damage it getting it out of the slab. My set is Gem and Proofs and I have never cracked a graded coin out but bought a 65 to fill the hole cheaper than most of the raw examples I've found. Advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez 80 proof

    I put it in a bench vice and squeeze it until it pops open. Works like a charm.
     
  4. snewman

    snewman Active Member

    I generally use an electric miter saw - chop off the top, and the two sides, then carefully bend it open and take out the coin.
     
  5. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    I use a pair of end cutting pliers. Snip the slab on 3 sides of the lower part and it pops right apart. I find ngc slabs the hardest to open
     
    swamp yankee likes this.
  6. fretboard

    fretboard Defender of Old Coinage!

    I've never cracked a slab, nothing against it I've just never had the need. That said, I don't think I would crack an MS coin out of a slab but if I did I would go with the miter saw process. Sounds the safest to me.
     
  7. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    I've busted a lot of slabs with these. Great for pulling nails too which is what I mainly use them for. I still occasionally find slab remnants in dark corners in my workshop. Usually cracking anacs slabs to send to pcgs or ngc or pcgs or ngc slabs I don't agree with the grades of. There's one thread here with pics of me busting one open image.jpg
     
    swamp yankee likes this.
  8. kaosleeroy108

    kaosleeroy108 The Mahayana Tea Shop & hobby center

    bad move seriously leave it in the slabb
     
  9. treylxapi47

    treylxapi47 Well-Known Member Dealer

    On a Jefferson nickel? I think the OP will be alright cracking one of those
     
  10. dwhiz

    dwhiz Collector Supporter

    I've cracked a few using lineman's pliers
     
  11. ksparrow

    ksparrow Coin Hoarder Supporter

    I've used Mainebill's approach successfully several times.
     
  12. RedRaider

    RedRaider Well-Known Member

    I usually run them over with my car until they are good and cracked, then if I can find the coin, I will place it in my album.

    Just kidding, Ive used pliers and the vice method. Both work fine.....but be careful, you dont want to slip up and damage a coin. The slabs are really quite tough.
     
  13. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    Why I like the end cutters you crack and cut through the thick edges of the slab then remove the broken plastic carefully from the rubbery soft plastic holding the coin. Then pop the coin out and your good to go
     
  14. KoinJester

    KoinJester Well-Known Member

    Pcgs, bolt cutters, vice, linesman pliers

    NGC, take a hammer and a towel tap (hit) it along all four edges comes right apart.

    Newer Anacs, twist or see above.
    Old small white holders see #1

    ICG to have the toughest to break just neef a Big hammer
     
  15. MKent

    MKent Well-Known Member

    Thanks I feel pretty confident now that I can do this successfully. It's a 47p only cost $6 but will work for gem BU set.
     
  16. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins

    Band saw.........
     
  17. geekpryde

    geekpryde Husband and Father Moderator

  18. ToughCOINS

    ToughCOINS Dealer Member Moderator

    Ditto, except that I first wrap the slab in a piece of cloth to prevent shards of the slab from shooting halfway across the room. It kind of holds everything together so that you can control where all of the pieces go.
     
  19. Coinchemistry 2012

    Coinchemistry 2012 Well-Known Member

    What type of slab?
     
  20. MKent

    MKent Well-Known Member

    PCGS
     
  21. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    Best way to crack out of slab?

    VERY carefully

    I use a vise and tighten slowly
     
    Coinchemistry 2012 likes this.
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