I have a roll of 1954 BU Nickels I bought years ago that have welded themselfs into a plastic coin tube. Does anyone know a way to get them out without ruining the coins. The only thing I can come up with is putting the tube into boiling water and hope it expands enough to release them. I don't know if the hot water will discolor the coins. Ron Ferguson
You have the right idea, but do not use boiling water - it will discolor the coins. Just use hot water right out of the tap - but not too hot.
That can do just as much harm as boiling water. Temperature changes should be avoided as much as possible when storing coins. But in a case like this, changing the temp of the tube is about your only option. Even so, extremes should be avoided.
Free at last Their Free Their Free - Thanks members of Coin Talk & R.S. Yeoman I now have 40 beautiful 1954 D MS 63+ Jefferson's out of bondage. I used everyones advise together. I did use boiling water, but turned off the heat before lowering only the coin tube into the water for about 30 seconds. The coin didn't even get warm or wet. The first 3 were tapped out and the rest came out easly when I pinched the now flexible tube. I slid them out one by one onto a soft cloth and were handled gloved hands. They are now resting comfortably in their own 2X2 holder. I checked all my other tubes and this was the only one manufactured by a company named M. MEGHRIG & SONS. I will not say bad things about their tubes but you will not find any more of my coin in them. Ron Ferguson
Even though this is an ancient thread , I have a similar situation. I recently acquired rolls 0f 1958-d Cents and they are in the M.Meghrig & Sons tubes. I am unable to even get the tops off. I am scared of using pliers. Could this heat or cold thing help with at least getting the cap off "SAFELY" ?
Give it a shot. Try hot tap water wearing rubber gloves. Try no to get the coins wet. Dry immediately with very soft cloth. Good Luck.
I got another question. If the coins somehow get moist , would it help to bath them immediately in acetone and then left to dry ?
I say " NO " to the acetone. Use a distilled water soak for 5 min. Then soft dry. Stay away from that stuff. If you must, use in a very well ventalated area and wear rubber gloves. Acetone is a strong solvent and you should be experienced in using it.
I believe if you blow the coins dry with a duster (like used for cleaning dust off a computer) that spotting won't be a problem.
I hate those old school tubes, I've had many battles with them. You just have be very careful and work on them slowly peeling the tube away....... eventually you can free the coins without using anything.
