Until you accidently trade a really nice, hard to find VAM thinking it was a duplicate or a normal date, and then can't figure out why you can't seem to find it. Guy~
I never have trouble removing coins from slabs, I use two pairs of pliers all the way to the edge away from the coin and twist in opposite directions. Then I slowly and carefully pick off the plastic pieces that are cracked until I can get to the coin. However, I have scratched coins removing them from the 2x2's, the worst was a 1952 Proof Franklin that I was sure would go PR65 when slabbed, put a nice long scratch in the field and ended up selling it on Ebay. I actually got almost all money back. But, I still find myself opening 2x2's too quickly, wanting to hold get to the prize. Just like Crackers Jacks, I always opened the prize frantically, I have to hold myself back when opening 2x2's as they are now my prize. Vegas Vic
The cold makes the coins shrink slightly so they come out of the tube. Personally, I always preferred warming up the tube under hot running water - the coins warm slower than the plastic so the plastic expands slighty giving the same result - coins out of the tube.
"You're not a Real Coin Collector " ...until your wife buys you a Chain cent for your birthday. :hug:
Tried to straighten a bent Barber quarter dated 1899 using my teeth when I was about 10, all I got for my effort was a chipped tooth and a small scratch on the quarter.
Okay, I've got one....you're not a real coin collector untill you wife tells you to get the h!@# off CT and come and talk to me.
You've never had a tubed roll of wheats (or others) that have sat in someones house so long that the tube has shrunk making it virtually impossible to get the coins out? Put the roll in the freezer until it's, well, frozen. Remove and gently tap with a hammer. Sometimes takes more force to get those stinking tubes to crack though. I've done it at home and at work. Have pulled some real blazers out of tubes this way.
Next time try a hair dryer and slowly heat the tube and lightly tap it down sideways on a desk or table (with a towel on the desk) and the coins will come out fairly easy. One of the local dealers told me how to do this and it works. You don't have to break the tube and worry about damage to the coins. I've done it a few times and it does work... John
How about if you get divorced from your wife and she steals every coin in the house and you can't do anything about it. Joint property. Vegas Vic
When your wife looks at you and seriosly asks "You spent a thousand dollars for that" and your answer is to explain what a deal it was.