Not knowing the type of plastic the tube is made of, I think that acetone would melt the plastic and cause more problems.
Perhaps, but context is everything, isn't it? The suggestion was based upon my own past experiences of being in a similar predicament. Perhaps there are better options that will not cause any of the unnamed potential problems, but depending on how he wishes to approach this, it may be worth considering. After all, if he thought long and hard about it, I'm guessing there's a way he could test it out before committing.
Randy Abercrombie has the best slant on this, do not strike or drop the tube or you will damage the coins. The water/freeze should split the plastic ( just like a water pipe in winter) so you can slowly separate the tube. The only drawback is if you can't get enough water into the roll. Another idea is to carefully compress the frozen tube with pliers until the tube cracks, using repetitive freezes, if necessary. My first idea was to get a pair of baby needle-nose pliers and break away small pieces of the tube, but patience is your best ally, slowly and carefully. Be sure to post what works, good luck! ...Spark
UPDATE- Got them out of the roll!!!!! Froze them for 2 days then lightly tapped the edgess with a hammer till the lid came off. The first few coins slid out, I cut down the tube, pulling away coins as I go, and then I realized something......I only had 39 coins, and I know I didont lose one. Oh well got them for free.
Well, they are already in my families safe for long term storage which I don't know the combination to no pictures and I don't care whether you think it happened or not so sorry.
Easy now, just teasing. Pretty common way to ask for pictures on internet forums. The other is - This thread is worthless without pics
You've been telling us they may be Gem 68, a lot of folks offered solutions and you can't get us 1 photo? C'MON, MAN!...Spark