I'm not a fan of slabbed coins but I have purchased some because the price was right and I wanted/needed the coin for my collection. I had a couple of ASE proofs graded PR69 from NGC that I got "really" cheap" concidering they have been graded and slabbed. But I can't add them to my collect in this slabbed state, so I tried to find someone (local) to trade with, but no one wanted to trade. So I decided, they are mine and I'll do with them as I will. So I broke them out, along with two Franklins 59&60 MS64 from PCGS. Now here's the neat part. I got to thinking what is the best way to do this with out damaging the coin. Here is what I discovered and it worked like a charm. I took them to work where I have a large vise. I clamped the the NGC slab by the edge and apply pressure very slowly until I heard a crack/pop. Then I turned the slab and did the same process. The NGC slabs open/seperated really nice and my proofs where transfered to airtites without a problem. The PCGS slabs where much harder to get them to seperate. I had to work them alot to get an open edge to apply a screw driver to help the slab seperate, but they both opened without braking apart in pieces and contacting the coin, which was my worse fear.
I give you credit for taking them out. I dont like slabbed coins at all but to cut them open to put them in airtights that must of been scary. glad to hear the coins are out of jail thou lol
Yes, it is actually. Just like a breath of fresh air. I loved having the coin, but hated it was in the slab.
Best way I've found is just put the slab in a vise and cut off the ends with a saber saw. Not with a metal cutting blade though because the plastic will reseal due to heat. Use a wood blade of medium grade. Most of the plastic will just bunch up and you just walk away with open slab. It's fast and safe.
I typically use a dremmell. I would rather have my coins in a dansco or in an airtight. I do however have a Roosie collection in pcgs slabs and one in a dansco, my Mercs leave the slab as soon as I get ahold of them.
I use time, eventually I figure that my kids will sell my stuff and someone else will open the slabs.
Isn't that a famous saying? Time "opens all slabs", or maybe it was "heals all wounds". Something like that, I'm not really sure.
Charlie32, Now that's a great pic. Thanks for sharing. If fact thanks to everyone for sharing. I felt sure I would get a lot of "how dare you" or the "you've made a big mistake" feedback, but not a one. Good day and God Bless.
I think I have cracked something like 5 slabs---one was for a re-grade--another one for my set---and yet another one that will be sent in to NGC sometime soon....and I can't remember why I did the others Speedy
