Can someone please tell me how to remove the coins from the 2007 mint sets to put them in Danco albums. The thought of running an Exacto knife around the diameter makes me freak. There must be a better way, how are all of you removing them?
Use a pair of pliers to break off a corner, then pry the holder open. Tile nippers also work pretty well. You are probably going to be flamed by the folks who think it is heresy to destroy the originality of a set, but IMHO it's your set and your rules.
But that is a good point... I have been starting to collect mint and proof sets lately and was wondering if they should be left as is and seek out the coins I need, or should I break them out to fill in the voids of my Littleton albums?
You see, thats one of the great things about this hobby. You can collect however you want to collect, the decision to break up mint and proof sets is a decision that only you can make for yourself. Thats what makes each and every one of our collections so personal, because of what you make it to be. So, if you're happy with seperating the sets and using the coins as you see fit then go for it. Its all a personal choice.
If in doubt, just buy 2 sets. Break out one and leave the other original. I think the clear windows on the new mint sets are pretty thin so they should be able to open up easily. Is it possible to carefully spread apart the cardboard to expose the coins with less chance of damaging them? If so I would go that route. I don't think an exacto knife is the best tool since it could slip very easily, maybe a small set of scissors or clippers. Slow and easy!! Personally, I leave all my mint sets, proof sets, commemoratives, etc. in their original packaging. I guess it comes from watching hours of Antique Roadshow and how they stress to "keep it original".
there is not right or wrong way to collect. its all up to your tastes, your thoughts, and well... its all you! Others opionins on 'YOUR' way, might not be the same ... but thats ok too If you want to crack them open like lots of other folks, but all means - go for it. Myself, i like to keep them in the cases they come in, but im not trying to complete sets. I like the looks they have in the pre-assmebled cases enjoy, and good luck- and dont worry about what others have to say about how you collect
It is purely preference how you wish to go about your collecting. I for one leave my proof sets and mint sets as is.
Howdy, I usually use a sharp knife to get into the crack around the edges and then pry them open. If you look at all four sides, there's normally one crack that's a little more obvious than the others and that's where I work. As for cracking open mint and proof sets, I've been doing it for years. I always buy an extra of these for my albums. I also save at least one of each set. good luck, rono
I haven't tried this so it is just a suggestion. The mint set looks like it now has similar construction to the "blister packs" that many things are sealed in for retail sale. If that is the case they are probably only tightly sealed around the edges of the set and the blisters are more of just a press fit. Use a heavy pear of scissors to cut the packaging around the coin you want to remove. Don't get too close because you want to have a couple of "tabs" that you can get a grip on. Now the plastic in the areas of the cardboard won't be bonded together so you can bend it out to form tabs that you can grab with either you fingers or a couple pairs of pliers. Grab the tabs and pull the blister open. If the blister is stuck you risk pulling, having it come apart suddenly, and the coin going flying. So I recommend pulling it apart INSIDE of a large pillowcase. That way if it does go flying it can't go far, and hits something soft
