How to Extract UNC Pennies from 1960s Shrink-Wrapped Tubes in 5 Minutes or Less (No Hammering, No Mess)

Need to solve this fast? I found the quickest way that actually works consistently.

Ever stared at a vintage plastic coin tube from the 1960s, packed with pristine UNC Lincoln Head pennies—only to realize they’re fused inside like a time capsule? You’re not alone. These “Shrinky Dink” or Meghrig tubes are infamous for their clingy plastic that becomes a vice grip after 50+ years. I’ve wrestled with these stubborn rolls for years, trying everything from hair dryers to saws. Finally, I cracked it: a 5-minute thermal shock method that pops out every penny clean, with zero damage or mess.

This isn’t about waiting for acetone to work or risking dents with brute force. This is pure speed and reliability—no special tools, no guesswork. Just hot water, a few taps, and done.

Why Most Methods Fail (And Why Heat Wins Every Time)

Here’s the real issue: It’s not just sticky caps. The plastic tube itself shrinks over time, creating a vacuum seal around each coin. You’re fighting physics, not just friction.

The Science of Thermal Contraction

The 1960s plastic expands faster than copper when heated. That tiny difference in expansion is your secret weapon. Cold? It barely budges. Heat? Guaranteed release.

Pro Tip: Target 180–212°F (82–100°C). This softens the plastic just enough to break the seal—without melting or harming your coins.

The 5-Minute Thermal Shock Method: Step-by-Step

This is the only method I use now. It’s fast, repeatable, and works on both standard and thick-walled Meghrig tubes. All you need:

• A tall pot (to hold tubes upright)
• Water

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• Tongs or oven mitts
• A towel
• A countertop or table

Step 1: Remove Caps & Submerge (0:00–1:30)

Take off the plastic caps. Stand the tube upright in the pot. Fill with water to within ½ inch of the top—don’t submerge it completely. This keeps water out of the tube and your coins dry.

Why this matters: Water heats the plastic 25x faster than air. The air pocket at the top lets pressure escape safely.

Step 2: Gentle Boil (1:30–4:00)

Heat the water to a steady simmer—small bubbles, not a rolling boil. Let it run for 2.5 minutes. This gives the plastic time to expand evenly.

Time-Saving Hack: While prepping, boil water in an electric kettle. Pour it into the pot—cuts prep time in half.

Step 3: Extract & Release (4:00–5:00)

At 2.5 minutes, turn off the heat. With tongs (and gloves), grab the tube. Invert it over the towel and tap the open end firmly against the counter—three to five times. Boom. All 50 pennies slide out cleanly in under 10 seconds.

For stubborn bottom coins: If a few stick, dunk the tube’s bottom back in for 30 seconds, then tap again. No cutting, no hammering, no chemicals.

When to Use the Fast-Cut Backup (For Extreme Cases)

Rarely, a tube resists even boiling. For these, I use a hacksaw blade + screwdriver combo—but only as a last resort. Here’s how to do it in under 3 minutes:

Step 1: Score the Tube

Place the tube on a non-slip mat. Use a hacksaw blade to cut a lengthwise groove, stopping 1/8 inch from each end. Cut no deeper than 1/32 inch—just enough to weaken the plastic.

Step 2: Split & Pop

Insert a large flat-blade screwdriver into the groove. Twist gently—the tube splits open like a banana peel. Coins fall out instantly.

Pro Tip: Wrap the tube in a microfiber cloth before cutting to keep plastic shards contained.

Why This Beats Every Other Method

• Freezer + Hot Water: Too slow (2+ hours). Risk of water inside coins.
• Hair Dryer/Oven: Inconsistent. Plastic overheats unevenly, risk of melting.
• Acetone Soak: Takes 24+ hours. Leaves residue on coins. Toxic fumes.
• Hammer/Tapping: Damages coins. Messy, multiple tries needed.
• Pipe Cutter: Works, but needs tools, precision. Slower than thermal shock.

The thermal method wins because: It’s predictable. Uses household items. Keeps coins mint condition. And it works 9 out of 10 times.

Real-World Example: 50 Meghrig Tubes in 45 Minutes

Last month, I had 50 vintage Meghrig tubes—all sealed tight. Using the 5-minute method:

• Boiled water in a kettle (3 minutes).
• Submerged 10 tubes at a time.
• Processed each batch in 2.5 minutes.
• Released all 2,500 pennies with zero damage.

Total time: 45 minutes. No mess. No tools. No wasted effort.

Final Checklist: Your 5-Minute Action Plan

• ☐ Remove caps first
• ☐ Stand tubes upright in pot
• ☐ Simmer water (small bubbles)
• ☐ Wait 2.5 minutes
• ☐ Tap on towel—coins slide out
• ☐ Reheat bottom for stuck pennies (if needed)

Speed Wins Every Time

Breaking open vintage coin tubes doesn’t have to be a chore. The thermal shock method—gentle boiling followed by a quick tap—is the fastest, safest way to free UNC pennies from 1960s shrink-wrapped tubes. It uses basic physics: heat expands the plastic, not the coins. No special tools, no mess, no stress. For the rare stubborn tube, the hacksaw blade backup adds a 3-minute fail-safe. Skip the hammers, acetone, and guesswork. When you need UNC pennies fast, this is the only trick you’ll ever need.

Related Resources

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