Going to Crack Out My First Coin

So, I have never cracked a coin out of a slab before. Normally, if I want a coin raw I buy it raw and if I want it slabbed...I buy it slabbed.

But, I found a coin online recently that was fairly inexpensive ($18) that looked perfect for my raw Washington Quarter project...and I decided to jump on it. But, it lives in a blue ANACS slab.

I'll be honest...I'm a little nervous to crack it out. In part because I have never done it before and in part because I feel "bad" (for some reason) to do it. But, I'm sure I will figure it out.

 

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Try this..


It will get it out fast!​

 

I've never done it, but tin snips or a wire cutter to the edge would seem to be a safe start.

 

Dremel with a wheel cutter.

Show the coin in the slab, before you take it out.

 

Vise grips work well on the corners

 

There are literally dozens of ways to crack open a slab. Try Googling it and also do a search here on Coin Talk for ideas. I like the, "squeeze it in a vice until it pops," best.

 

Vise, and bolt cutting pliers. However, never do what I did. I had an 1885cc that was graded 65. I cracked out of a PCGS slab, going for 66PL. It fell out of the broken slab, bounced, and hit the floor. I turned a potential $2000-$4000 coin into instant details.

Moral of the story. Be careful cracking out really nice coins, or go for a reconsideration. lol

 

A good old fashioned sledge hammer will do the trick.

 

I appreciate that you shared that story as I have a coin I want to set free as well. I have old fashioned tin snips so I may try that. Luckily, I'm not in any hurry at all!

 

Just don't damage the coin in freeing it.

 

Read my story above. Arrrgh.

 

I just did. What a shame. Are you going to use your bed next time?

 

Yup. Most of my upgrades have been reconsiderations of OGHs. I learned.

 

Never hit it hard. Get a bigger hammer.

 

Try this. I always keep some around to open Air-Tites.

 

I crack them out all the time, mainly because I like mine in my own 2 x 2 albums. I place the slab on an anvil, hit each side of the slab twice good and solid with a hammer. It cracks the slab just enough on all sides for me to pry it apart without fear of having the coin uncontrollably drop out of the casing. Good luck and don't worry about the guilt...it'll pass when you see the coin in the entirety of the album/collection!

 

No! Gunpowder contains sulfur. Definitely artificial toning.

 

Have some real fun setting that puppy free!