1970 proof set...

[Master Jmd 82]

I was the winning bidder on ebay for a 1970 proof set, it has just arrived and i was wondered how can i open it without breaking the case...i would like to add the bronze coins (1970: farthing, half penny and penny) to my collection of bronze coins, and i would just like to know how i could open the set without damage...can you help?

[Emperor Oli 0]

On the modern ones, there are little peg things I think which fit in holes. These can be prised off if you find a rut in the side but I don't know if the older ones are like that. Did you just buy it for the bronze? It would have been cleverer to buy the coins individually as nobody will want a broken up 1970 proof set.

[Master Jmd 82]

On the modern ones, there are little peg things I think which fit in holes. These can be prised off if you find a rut in the side but I don't know if the older ones are like that. Did you just buy it for the bronze? It would have been cleverer to buy the coins individually as nobody will want a broken up 1970 proof set.

i did not buy it for the bronze, no, but i would like the bronze with my other bronze coins...i will obviously not get rid of the set in any way, as i would like to own a few of the sets of coins by the royal mint.

i do not have a modern set (yet), so i cannot tell you if they are much different, and i do not want to try and take the set apart unless i know how...

[Chris Perkins 228]

If you break it open you'll probably end up dmaging it, and all the coins will instantly start toning, especially the bromze.

It'll always be worth more as it is, providing the coins are not toned.

[Geoff T 3]

i would like to add the bronze coins (1970: farthing, half penny and penny) to my collection of bronze coins, and i would just like to know how i could open the set without damage...can you help?

Farthing? Not in the 1970 set - we minted our last in 1956. The lowest denomination in the 1970 set is the halfpenny, which had been demonetised by 1970 anyway. Did you know, by the way, that the sets weren't actually produced in 1970, but retrospectively a few years later, like the 1972 ones.

My advice is also don't try to open it. You should be able to pick up the individual coins quite cheaply if you look around.

[Chris Perkins 228]

Yes, actually I have a proof 1970 Penny and Halfpenny Master JMD.

[Half Penny Jon 0]

There you go, instant sale!