How to Remove a Coin From a Clear Cast?

Question

I have a 1986 Silver Dollar, That I have found. It is Sealed in clear Plastic cast. It about 1/2 inch tick and I can't think of an easy way to get the coin out.

Normal I wouldn't want to get it out but there are 4 small crack in the middle that go down to the coin and is a rust mark.

Any advice on how to remove would be great

Answer 1

I would suggest sawing the block along the sides the coin so you have a longish narrow block with the coin in it, put one end in a vise and apply a wrench to the other end, torquing it. The coin is at the weakest part and the plastic will probably crack away, so the coin can be worked out. Use water from a spray bottle when sawing if the blade starts to gum up, but casting resin is catalytic setting and should not be as bad as Plexiglas to saw.

Answer 2

Are you referring to a coin capsule like those used to hold proof coins? If so just use a pocket knife and slowly remove the lid from the edge. Else if the coin is trapped in a solid block of plastic then you can boil it till the plastic is soft. 1/2 an inch is not that thick. You may need to repeat a few times till all the plastic has been removed from the coin. Plastics and similar polymers have a lower melting point than silver. You could also use a mallet to break the plastic block but do that with care.

Answer 3

The only dollar made in 1986 is the Statue of Liberty dollar. Did someone make a paper weight of it? I know the mint did on a few commemorative like the World War II one and they are not very common. If it was held in a mold and cast in resin, I don't see how you can safely get it out. The resin is in all the high and low points of the coin. It will not just simply slide out even if you saw off all four sides. maybe you can use the cracks to help free it. You can try a jeweler he may be able to help.