I'm looking to fill the commemoratives in my Intercept US Type Set with a couple of newer proof pieces. I've been searching but haven't found a great way of getting them out of the US Mint cases. Is this an easy task? I'd like to know before I buy. Thanks.
Yes, freeing them from the Mint capsules is much easier than removing them from a TPG holder. The Mint capsules are not sealed, so just use a sharp edged tool to help pry them apart if you're having trouble.
(Almost goes without sayin', but having nearly become an accidental amputee a few times, I had to say it...)
One other bit of advice is to spread a towel on the work surface and then put a new 1 gallon (4 L) plastic bag on that. Use cheapest, thinnest plastic bags. Mint capsules can open suddenly, and the coin can go hopping or rolling unless there is a soft, giving surface. Plastic bag keeps lint, softener, etc. from transferring from towel to coin. Use metal blade or pick with minimal force to get opening action started, but try to finish using just fingers. Don’t want to stab or slash innocent coins. I wear lint-free gloves for handling MS/PR coins, but some prefer to go naked because they like that lovin' feeling. Handle by edges in either case. Watch your mouth … buddy! Don’t want spit drops on coins. Get’em in mylar flips ASAP. Cal
Wife has shears in her kitchen that she uses to cut boned meat. I have borrowed them on more than one occasion to split a mint set holder... Now, I just hope she doesn't read this thread.
