Has anyone here ever done this? Any tips? I've only ever cracked open small ("normal") sized plastic slabs. Also, it is not graded by a TPG, just the original slab from the U.S. Mint. I imagine that it will severely lessen the resale value if I would ever want to sell it... correct?
Yes, it would definitely reduce the potential resale value, though I don't know how severely. What makes you want to crack it out?
I have several of the 5 ouncers but have never taken them out. If you don't get any finger prints or cause any damage (minor scratches, etc) I don't see any harm. If you destroy the capsule though and don't put it back in .... then I have no idea. Is there a reason you want to take it out of the capsule? I've done it to regular size coins to get a better look and take pictures. But never the big ones as I'm afraid I may drop one.
My ridiculously low-tech and primitive crackout technique is discussed here: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/th...hnique-quick-primitive-effective-safe.315594/ Though I've never tried it on a big slab...
Video is too fast for me my lord. Do you use your right foot or left foot? How do you maintain your balance? Thanks.
Low tech? For me this is high tech. Floor of deck properly spaced for slab placement and handrail for safety within reach.
Nipper tool for quickly and safely opening slabs is pictured below. Used by many dealers. The Wiha brand is probably the best. German-made. Should last forever. This is the 8" model. Not quite as quick as more violent methods like bending over in a vise or between floor boards, or throwing on a concrete floor. But very safe for the coin and operator. There are larger models that will be quicker to operate and require less effort on the part of the operator. 8" model is US$25 on Amazon. Cal
Isn't the OP asking about the 5 ounce ORIGINAL round, form fitting plastic slab, and not a rectangular authentication slab. Such as this:
Have you tried to wiggle the two halves apart ? I have not even contemplated doing that. I keep all the silver US Mint stuff in their rounds. these 5 ounces are 3 inches in diameter. People did get them authenticated ... and this was the resultant size (pic from apmex) you need BigFoot to crack that open ala @lordmarcovan 's technique anyone remember the Apollo Anniversary 5 ounce domed coin .. those plastic containers rounds are humongous.
I’ve not opened a 5 oz capsule, but have opened those for 2 oz on down from various mints including the U.S. Mint. The capsules I’ve seen use a friction fit of one cylinder inside another, or less commonly, the “lid” screws off. The screw-off lids usually have a flange that you twist counterclockwise. Friction fit lids too can have a flange. For friction-fit lids that don’t come apart easily, I use the sharp point of a paring knife to get things started. Work it around a bit until the lid starts coming up; then use your fingers. If screw-off lids are stubborn, a thin sheet of rubber used to open food jars will give a better grip. I do this sitting down over a new 1-gallon plastic bag laid on a fluffy towel. This keeps the coin clean and from traveling far. Cal
You have a big, heavy coin, made of silver which is fairly soft metal. The chances for damage are many. As @lordmarcovan said, you lower the value when you remove it from the holder. It’s all downhill from there.
