How do I open a proof set?

Need to open a 68 proof set. Is there any special tool to open these or try my best and try not to garbage it too bad?

 

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You're not really supposed to, unless you are doing something with the coins (grading, for instance) and not keeping them as a proof set anymore. If that is the case, just jam a knife between the plastic sides and twist!

 

very carefully...

squeeze in a vice..,

i've heard some say wrap it in a towel, stand it on end on a hard surface and hit it with a hammer,,

use a dremel and cut away the plastic..

 

Well I need to get a quarter out w/ RPM for Mr. Wexler to look at. I'll get a pic in the morning.

 

Why not ask him if he can evaluate it inside the mint holder. If he can, the holder will give more protection in the mail.

 

I just got it open. It's glued, not like a later set that was more like a Tupperware lid.

 

Who's Mr. Wexler?

 

John Wexler is a top Doubled Die and RPM expert.
http://doubleddie.com/1801.html

 

LOL!!!

 

I had to bust a few of those hard plastic mint sets open to complete some presidential dollar sets for my grandkids. My wife has kitchen shears that I believe were designed to cut through military armor. While she wasn't looking I used them and they did a fine job of splitting the plastic. Just do it over a towel or something in case a piece falls out.

 

I actually used a small pick set and got it open.

 

Your kidding right ?

 

Maybe according to you, but the fella asked a valid question. I don't know him, maybe HE was joking. Perhaps you could enlighten us to your insinuation of my response being comedic? In detail too please.

 

...we have many “experts” here on CT too

PS: J/K ask the real pro

 

We also have quite a few "true believers" in tiny errors and varieties, a club which I do NOT care to join. I'm still sitting on a 2x2 file box loaded with a past collector's "treasures" and I can't get to looking at them as long as there are litter boxes to clean.

 

Pity,.... I will miss your snarky wisdom.

 

Jack of all trades .
Master of none ..

Live Long The Masons ....................................

 

I always loved their jars.

 

I love building the buildings, better .
But the old jars are nice ............

 

I'm a little curious about your comment. It sounds like you are of the opinion John Wexler isn't an expert in the doubled die and RPM field. In fact, the way your comment was written makes it sound like you believe the opposite. Why then, in many of your posts over the years, do you comment about sending or going to send various coins to him for inspection?

He has written books on Doubled Dies and RPMs. He was the head of CONE (Collector’s of Numismatic Errors) when it merged with another group, NECA, which formed what is now Coneca. If these and other qualifications I haven't mentioned don't qualify him as an expert then I guess you're right.