Depends heavily on the package, the process and the complexity/scale. Really old processes and easily-opened packages can be done by hobbyists for pocket change

Depends heavily on the package, the process and the complexity/scale. Really old processes and easily-opened packages can be done by hobbyists for pocket change (opened with a vice/brute force or easily-purchasable chemicals; examined with optical microscopes, you can get fancy USB ones for three figures secondhand?). Modern stuff absolutely needs high-end professional-grade labs, SEMs/TEMs, polishers, all that stuff - and that will likely run you five, six or seven figures. And then there's the analysis phase! It takes a significant amount of time either way, it just depends how much the time (and equipment) will cost! Since you're going for something pretty old, however, it may not be beyond your grasp. Have some spares handy, though! There was a good talk at 31c3 about decapping preparation on a budget, which may get you started: https://youtu.be/RlQJHymiudc https://youtu.be/RlQJHymiudc