I finally received my unc USMC Commemortive coin. When I open the Mint encapsulation to really look at the coin (yea, I'm like that) I can't get the coin out of the 'bottom' of the plastic case. Anyone else experience this? I did my usual first step by putting the coin in the refrigerator (trying to get the silver to contract) and then using my body heat to warm the pastic, but no luck. I'm real hesitant about using tools to remove it. Any advice?
#1....I wouldn't be taking the coin out... I have done it in the past and have had to break the case...don't worry it didn't hurt the coin Speedy
Since you did what did - I would think you have to get it out now. I would be worried about condensation (cold/heat) between the holder and the coin. I've gotten coins out of coin tubes by warming the pastic in warm water, but never tried it on a direct fit holder for obvious reasons. This might be risky, but you could try placing the coin face down holder up on a soft cloth. Then try to heat the holder with a blow dryer and lift it off. But you can't heat it very long or the heat will tone the coin. Anything more than 5 - 10 seconds and I'd be worried.
I'll give the blow dryer a shot. I checked for condensation and didn't see any. My understanding is that a frost-free refrigerator eliminates most of the condensation.
An old trick for us outdoor photographers is to put our lenses in zip lock baggies to let them equilibrate to the outside temp while keeping the condensation from forming on the glass when bringing them out from the warm indoors...if you do this put some dessicant in there with it... RickieB
