Question re NGC holder - Alexander III lifetime tetradrachm

Hello all,

First post here, though I’ve been browsing for a bit. I’m hoping to ask you experts about a coin I recently acquired - a lifetime issue Alexander III tetradrachm. It is in an NGC slab (I know slabbing is controversial - I bought it that way), but the coin seems to be mostly off 1 prong of the holder and rattles a very small amount (with possible contact between front of holder and coin). I’ve attached some photos. I asked the seller about it and he said it was normal and they see this kind of thing all the time because the coins are not perfectly round, but I’d really appreciate a second opinion on the holder issue. Except for the holder, I’m quite happy with the coin! Thanks in advance, and apologies for the poor photos (and if this is already in a thread I missed)

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Welcome to CT and great coin to show up with (very nice portrait)
That "rattling" sound is actually the coin screaming from inside is plastic tomb:


Here's a drachm of mine to pile on:

 

It's not that uncommon for that to happen which could be from a variety of reasons.

 

If the coin looks undamaged to you, then I recommend removing it from the slab. Problem solved. My favorite method, to remove a coin from a slab, is to use a hack saw, which is a thin metal saw, with lots of very small teeth. Don't try to use a regular wood saw, because the teeth aren't small enough, and the blade is too thick. I cut off the end of the slab, away from the coin, to keep plastic dust off of the coin. Then, I put a large screwdriver, into the cut end of the slab, near the edge of the slab, and twist the screwdriver, to pry apart the top of the slab, from the bottom of the slab. When you pry with the large screwdriver, you have to be careful, not to cause the top half, or bottom half, of the slab, to break, where the coin is, because that could scratch the coin. That's why I put the screwdriver, near the edge of the slab. You may have to work your way, around the edge of the slab, to gradually get the top of the slab, and the bottom of the slab, apart. I don't know, if this is the best way. I've tried other ways, such as using a large pair of pliers and no saw. That didn't work as well, for me. I also tried using a dremel circular saw, to cut off the end of the slab. But I decided, that the fast moving dremel saw, scattered plastic dust too far, possibly getting dust on the coin. Perhaps other CoinTalk persons have better methods. In the photo below, I don't remember, if I used a hack saw, or a dremel circular saw. The slab was extra thick, because the coin is very thick. Before I remove a coin from a slab, I always take photos, of both sides of the slab. That way, I can always refer to the NGC number, that was on the slab. Why did I hide the NGC number, in the photo below? Why not. Perhaps I'm overly cautious. Better safe than sorry, I guess.
EDIT : I use a hack saw, not a jack saw.

 

Looks like a nice coin and I am wondering if the slab is an "NGC Fattie" since it looks thick compared to other slabs.

And the Tetradrachm doesn't look thick enough to warrant a very thick slab & the label is one of the older ones too.

If you don't care about the slab, crack it out.

 

It is a double sized one for sure

 

This one gave me a good laugh, and point taken. Thanks for the response! Your drachm looks like a beautiful coin!

 

thanks- great to know, and I really appreciate the quick response!

 

Thanks for the very detailed response and instructions! I’m thinking I’ll likely keep it in the holder for the time being but will keep all of this in mind if/when I do break it out.

 

Thanks! It is indeed in a fatty/ double thick holder. I’m not used to certified ancients but have some certified “moderns”, and that extra thickness was the first thing that surprised me when I saw it. As I understand it, NGC tends to put a lot of ancients, especially Greek coins, in the fatties.

 

Not a fattie - those are quite a bit older. This is just NGC's current over thickness holder.

 

Break it out, problem solved. Unless you plan on reselling it anytime soon, there is no need for it to be in the slab. Plus, you can actually get to hold a piece of history.

 

I edited my post # 4 above. I use a hack saw, not a jack saw. I also added a photo, of my hack saw.

 

Well, I don't know if it's anything of a better way...some may cringe...but I've always just used a 2-lb. sledge hammer...quick and efficient...no muss, fuss or saw dust. Hold the slab upright on end...gloved hand at bottom for this step...with the label at the top and the coin down, plus on a mat or pad, towel, etc. on concrete...maybe wear some safety glasses...give it a firm but reserved whack or two on the top end/edge and...wal-la...you can then use that medium or larger screwdriver to pry the holder apart (if not already apart) enough to remove the retainer and coin...recommend removing the retainer ring with the coin in it, then remove the coin from the retainer. Never had any issues with the coin...they've always remained in their retaining rings and snug within the lower part of the holder. I save the labels...they just lift or fall out.

 

BUST 'em OUT!

Any ancient that I have ever bought entombed, I free them!


Makedon Alexander III Lifetime Tet Myriandrus mint-Alexandria near Issus

 

@Alegandron That's a nice Alexander The Great tet. The portrait looks a lot like Alexander, to me.
@Mac McDonald and @Alegandron : So I guess, I shouldn't use a 10 pound sledge hammer, and hit the slab, with all of my might.
Actually, the sledge hammer method looks interesting. Perhaps I'll try that, for my next gloopstik coin coffin.

 

clearly, as others have stated, the solution to your problem is to take it out of the holder!

 

You could send it to NGC to get it re-slabbed. I think they do it for free for coins that moved out of position.

 

Just take it out of the slab and just throw it in a coin flip or a coin tray case.

Easiest way for me to remove coins from NGC slabs is to get a hammer, find a hard flat surface that can take the impact and just lightly hammer every side of the holder until it is loose enough for you to pry it open with your hands.

 

Nice choice! I also went with a Tarsos plough for my lifetime Alexander


Agree with the others - bust it out!