This may seem really newbie, but what is the best method for breaking coins out of stapled 2x2's? I've been peeling them apart, but it's too risky for my liking. How does everyone else do it? Also, does anyone brush their coins before putting them in albums or AirTites?
You gotta get them out somehow! I just completely remove the one or two staples from one side so there's no chance of dragging the coin by them. Then peal the both sides back, grab the edges of the coin and pull it out.
I use a Wenger Swiss Army, a very small pocket knife and just cut the cello around the coin, dont mess with those staples at all. A puff from a compressed air puter cleaner will clean off loose dust and debri from both the coin and the holder you put it into
i bend one side of the paper back and use a fingernail to "cut" the edge of the mylar window. Then the coin comes out without the risk of staple scratches
Use heavy duty, bone-cutting, kitchen scissors and cut between the opening and the staple on each of three sides. Then just dump the coin out.
I cut the window out about 3/4 of the way and remove it with the coin remaining untouched by ungloved human hands.
Use a needlenose pliers and lift up the bent ends of a staple. Do this to the next nearest one. When the two staples are removed lift the sides of the 2x2 and slide the coin out and hold it by the rim with your thumb and fore finger until you put it where you want to.
I use a toothpick to cut out the cellophane window. You're not exposing any staple points that way. Even if you were to touch the edge of the coin, the wooden pick woudn't harm it. This doesn't work if you want to re-use the 2x2 though. Whatever method you use just take your time..................................John
Cool, seems like most break the mylar. I will try that way. So people consider compressed air safer than a fine brush for lint and debris?
Yo Snaz.... what'd ya do..... use your mouth to hold the camera and use your tongue to take the pic! LOL! Nice slide show! I originally used the method illustraded by snaz. Although, I never ruined a coin by dragging a staple across it, the risk was there so I stopped. My local coin shop showed me a technique very similar to AJ's. Instead of cutting all the way around, all I do is punch a hole in the cellophane. Once the hole is punched, you can pop the coin right out. Never had any problems with this. Just be very careful if you are using a sharp object because if you get too over zealous, you may nick the coin. Remember, all it takes is a little hole in the cellophane and it will rip open very easily.
I have a scar on my hand from trying to cut a golf ball open with a surgical scalpel... There is this awesome rubber ball inside of them lol. It was a very embarrassing trip to the Emergency Room.
I use an exacto knife to cut them out. I don't brush them with anything but a quick squirt of PAM before I put them in the Dansco makes the plastic slides glide over the surface rather nicely. Ok ..not really but it would be fun to try.
