Should I report to NGC that I have removed the coin from their holder, so that they can update their census? Or do people generally not do that?
It would be a nice gesture. However, for NGC to delist the coin, they need to receive the slab label. This prevents mischief on the part of those for a prank or nothing else to do might email them that a coin has been deslabbed when it hasn't been. Would be one way for competitive folks to climb in the registry. Then too, it would be easy in an email to mistype the cert. no., and the wrong coin would be delisted. This one reason why when you cross a coin and receive the coin in its new slab, the label from the old slab is included. I've always thought the TPGs should notify each other when a coin crosses, but they don't. Cal
Another, where he uses a hammer first: (probably the one I'd try) There's a short where he does it in a more spectacular manner (I think on a valuable Brutus), but I can't find it. I have about maybe 15-20 slabs. I should pick one which I really don't care about, just in case I mess up, and try. The great majority of the slabs (all coin store gifts) were the budget NGC slab, so no weight, no reference, basically no valuable info, except their grade, which I disagreed with 80% of the time.
I just saw Aaron Berk at the FUN show this morning. It was one of those moments where you recognize somebody, but it takes you a moment to realize who they are.
After reading your post and thinking about it, I have decided that I won't inform them, because I have realized that if I did do that and they removed it from the census, it would increase the prices of coins on the market that are like mine, and I don't want to be the reason for somebody paying more for a coin that is already expensive.
I use a hammer, but I stand the slab on the long edge on a concrete floor and whack the upper edge a few times. Eventually you hear a pop and the slab usually opens like a book. Eye protection recommended, of course.
I do the same but I usually put the coin in a bag or wrap it in a thin cloth to avoid flying shrapnel. Everytime I see one of these threads I think we are trying to reinvent the wheel. I few light whacks from a hammer has always served me well.
I use a $50 scroll saw I restored. Zip off 3 sides, feels super safe for the coin. I've probably cut open 100 holders at this point. I won't hesitate to open a holder for coin under $200 but my toners and nicer stuff stays certified.