Coin and Paper Money Collecting/break open proof sets?

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Expert: - 1/31/2010


Question
Hi--How does an expert break open proof sets encased in plastic cases, without damaging the coins?  I want to put some proof coins in an album of the state quarters--or would it be better to keep the plastic and just attach it to the album?  Thanks for any guidance you can give me on this--Raymond

Answer
Hi Raymond:

Thanks for the question.

The easiest way would to be to buy singles to go into the album, and not have to break open the entire set. Let someone else do the work. Many of the proof clad state quarters are not too expensive, but the silver ones can be expensive for certain dates.

If you want to go ahead and try one set to start, I'd suggest using a pair of vise-grips or pliers.  Wrap the slab in a towel and use the pliers/vise-grips to twist the end (away from the coins) until it cracks.  Then just peel apart. Be sure and wear cotton gloves to protect the coins from surface contamination during the removal and handling.

The problem then become what to do with the rest of the proof coins other than the state quarters you want to put in the album. That's why I suggest you buy the coins separately.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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