Hi All, Any input would be appreciated. Shoud I break proof Eisenhower out of their original mint package and put in Saflips? Or should I leave them with future hope like the grading of Morgan GSA dollars in original holder? Also any input on Saflips is welcome I think they are the best archive. Thanks, Ben Tampa FL
I'd leave them in the hard case. NGC's been grading Ikes in the mint boxes for awhile now: http://www.collectors-society.com/news/ViewArticle.aspx?IDArticle=131
Those "first slabs" were causing some ugly milky haze on the coins so I took Ikes out and put them in intercept shield holders. I'm saving s lot of space too.
What is the easiest and safest way to get them out of the mint package? Plastic like that can cut you bad...
What I do is hold it lengthwise and twist it back and forth until I hear the plastic popping. Once I get a good pop, the seal should have broken in one or more locations. I insert a fine bladed screwdriver into one of the broken areas and carefully pry it open. The remainder of the seal usually separates creating the two halves. The coin itself will not simply fall out of the black insert but must be coaxed out by either flexing the insert or pressing on the coin from the reverse with a soft cotton cloth. I never touch the cloth on the mirrored fields but instead press on the "Moon" portion which is cameo'ed. I ALWAYS work over a soft surface. Usually a padded jewelers pad or a soft terry cloth towel. Use some common sense when attempting this since the plastic can and will cut you if you do anything to forceful. An alternative is to get a hammer and tap on the edges while holding the plastic slab firmly on concrete. You'll hear the plastic crack. I usually flip it over and tap on each side but this must be done on a solid surface. Again, use some common sense and protect your eyes from flying shards of plastic if you decide to bash the hel_ out of it. Most of these pop open rather easily but can be quite stubborn. NONE are as difficult as breaking open a 1973-1982 Proof Set though! Doing those takes some talent!
Whats the value on that PR68, if you don't mind me askin! As far as the brown box Ikes the biggest mistake I made was not buying them as a set a few years back for $25! I own them all now, and have thought about having them graded in there original boxes!GregB
One might buy a couple more 40% silver proof Ikes for that much and leave them all in the OGP safe and sound.
It's largely a matter of opinion. For the main part I'd leave them in the original packaging unless you need the room. The '74 and to a lesser extent the '73 I'd be inclined to bust out since this date is not very stable and has a tendency to corrode. If you stabilize them in acetone youmight be the only one to have nice coins of this date in the future. There will be a premium for packaging someday but we might not live to see it. There might be a much larger premium for quality.
I really appreciate all the input from everyone. I think it depends on the coin in its present state and how much does it cost to get it certified. Lets please continue this discussion. Thanks, Ben. Tampa FL
What about breaking out some and putting in Safflips? I never leave them in the acidic brown boxes. What I wonder is how good the seal is on the original Mint container. It was before the "sonic" seal of the major grading services. I just wonder if choice coins would be better stored in Safflilps in a 2x2 box like Intercept Shield for long term storage. Proper interior conditions of course; regulated indoor temperature and humidity. Any and all opinions/experiences appreciated. Thanks, Ben Tampa FL