Beginning Roll Searcher, I Have Some Questions!

Today I decided to go to my bank and buy a few rolls of coins. Because I'm so new to this, I'm very curious about a few things.
1. Is there a certain way to open coin rolls without damaging the coins? I don't see any other way than just tearing it open.
2. What is a good amount of coin rolls to buy at a given time?
3. If I ever happen to come across a roll straight from the mint (I haven't, just wondering), should I open it or keep them rolled up?
4. Should I have a protective, soft surface underneath where I open the coins, or will my table suffice?

All opinions/facts appreciated! :smile

 

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1. I just rip those suckers open and dump them into a pile to start sorting through. I figure since they are circulated already, what's it gonna hurt?
2. It depends on how much time and how much free money you have. I do $50 in cents, $200 nickels, and $50 in dimes on Thursday and Friday then take it back on Saturday morning to exchange for $300 in quarters and dollar coins. I take that back the following Thursday, rinse and repeat.
3. The last few weeks I've been running into boxes of solid 2012 cents and nickels. Since there really isn't anything to look for I open them and bag em to take back and dump.
5. I use an old place mat on my desk. It keeps the noise level down and doesn't ding up the surface of the desk.

Those are my two cents.

 

It is a good idea to use a towel or to keep the area clean. These cons are really dirt. Don't forget to wash your hands god when you are finished. These cons have been every where you can imagine and some you can't. There is a thread here somewhere talking about the nastiness on these coins.

 

Thanks to both of you! Listening to both of your suggestions and starting now!

 

I would check the coins if they are coming out in rolls or even boxes before you buy them to make sure they are not newbs. Now occasionally I take newbs - but not to search, but to use as a bargaining chip with other banks that have boxes of older coins but won't let them because they need them for businesses - I tell them businesses like giving out brand new coins(true) and just trade the boxes with them. It helps to get in good with your bank or credit unions vault teller, he or she is your primary contact in the bank - well they are mine and I have them on speed dial on my cellphone.

Good amount to start with - my method is "as much as you will sell me without breaking the bank".

I open my rolls and sift out the coins on a wool blanket. As noted by Manbeast, I would invest in some good anti-microbial soap for your washup afterwards - there are coins that come out stuck together with jam, syrup and God knows what but I don't care to.

I have a little reward programme, I let them know if I find something 100 years or older they get a box of candy. I had to give out a box of Sunkist candy just this morning because I found a 1909 in a box of cents this morning. I also have been known to give out tickets for plays, gift cards(only a few banks allow that though) and hockey and baseball tickets to tellers.