I've found that the plastic cases used for the 1973-79 proof sets seem to be very difficult to open safely. While later (and some earlier) proof sets seem to be easy to open by simply running a knife around the outside edge of the case, the 73-79 ones seem to actually be fused together at the rings around the coins. This makes them incredibly difficult to open safely without risk to the coins inside. Has anyone devised a good way for cracking these beasts open? Thanks, Kris
I use a awl or screwdriver ground to a point and drive it in with a little rap. The sets usually won't open cleanly and will require some prying and second raps. The first rap works best down between the Ike and the half. I put the set on carpeting between my feet and use my right hand. It is imperative to wear some sort of eye protection. Shards are very light but they can be ejected at phenomenal speeds.
Dangerous work! Basically just like cladking outlines. I spend more time prying between the seams and try to avoid the foot and ground scenario. But even if you're gentle, it'll probably "explode" at some point.
Very dangerous. I use a box cutter and utmost caution. I have been known to use a scroll saw to open slabs, and that would also work on proof sets.
I break the top off of the proof set and then push a screwdriver between the coins and start prying. It usually doesn't take to much work for me to break the proof set apart.
That's pretty much what I did, but I had a few problems with the fused rings of plastic around the coins breaking badly and leaving pieces of plastic holding the coins in place after the halves of the case were separated. Getting those coins out without damage was a pain.
I've posted this cracking film before but for all the newbees here it is again. YOU MAY NOT WANT TO USE THIS METHOD!!!!!!!!..............John http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10w3R6Go0zM
...but will it work on proof sets? Seriously I've never tried to crack a set from those years. Now I want to buy one and find out how to go about it.
If you have access to a bench vise, grip the case along the edge and carefully and slowly close the vise until you heard a slight crack. Then turn the case 90 degrees and repeat process. Again rotate the case and repeat. You'll notice separation occurring and progressing. Be careful not to drop the case when loosening the vise! These cases and slabbed coins are "sonic welded" along the outside edge. You fracture that weld and the case halves come free. Prying the case can lead to damaging the coins with the tool used to do the prying, I know first hand. I don't care for sealed cases for coins. I prefer to free them all and keep them raw. Allen
True, but in addition to the outside edge, the rings of plastic around the coins are also sealed, and that's where the danger seems to be, in my experience. I don't like having to crack plastic apart so close to the coins. Anyway, thanks for your suggestion. On another note, I doubt I'll have to open any more of these any time soon, unless I find a 79 set that's all type 2, as I already got one of each year from the 70's to help fill my Danscos. I was just curious how others have done it. From what I've seen, none of the other years are as difficult as these.
