Anyone have any advice on how to open a proof set and not damage the coins?

I have a few modern proof sets that no longer have the box and i decided i want to open them up and put them in 2x2s? Can this be done without damaging the coins? After getting a better look at them without looking at scratched plastic i might be able to grade them better and see if any are worth sending in to NGC.

 

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You'll need some cotton gloves and possibly a can of compressed air if any of the coins have "cardboard dust" on them. It isn't recommended to just blow any dust off of them because of moisture in your breath nor is it wise to lightly rub them with a soft cloth because you might impart fine scratches onto the surfaces.

When using the compressed air, be sure to give it a short blast away from the coin just in case any moisture has built up inside the can. Then you should hold the can at a very low angle to the surface of the coin. A blast of air from a more direct angle could cause any cardboard fibers on the surface of the coin to scratch it.

If you're considering using 2x2's that you staple closed, you would be better off putting the coins into Saflips since you will be required to use them for any coins submitted for grading. Just be careful when putting proof coins into Saflips that the edge of the "pocket" does not scrape against the face of the coin. Once you've put a few of them into the pockets, you'll get the hang of it.

Chris

 

Is there a way to open a proof set and not destroy the case and put them back in once i looked at the coins?

 

Some cases of all dates break open fairly cleanly but sonme dates tend to splinter and break up pretty bad usually. The '68 case is awful. The nickels were often pounded in with a hammer using a wooden block to protect the coin because the holes were a little too small.

It's easy to break these but does require a little practice. I just put them on a soft cloth between my feet and pound an awl next to the two biggest coins in the set. Damaging a coin is very rare. Wear eye protection since these shards can travel at incredible speeds.

 

I haven't been able to touch my feet for the past 20 years, so I have to use an alternate method. A pair of vice grips on the corners will split the clam shell and your right about shards of plastic going ballistic.

Happy Collecting

 

a bandsaw might be a good choice if one is available

 

haha verryyyyy carefulllyyyy:bangg::bangg: depending on the rarity and cond....btw what is the date if the set we're discussing ?? pre 65'?