Anyone Collect Proof Sets?

i collect the proof sets I have a running of 1968-2012 (2012 being silver)
I am now starting to do the mint sets I have 1968-1981, 1984-1994,1996-2000.
I would say that if you life the proof ones then go ahead. The proof SBA are usually more expensive to get (especially 1999S)

I love proof sets!

Picked up my first one on my honeymoon in Northern Michigan and stopped back to the same friendly store in Petoskey on our 1st Anniversary. Proof sets got me hooked, the '11 & '12 sets are spectacular!

It's been interesting learning about the minting process and seeing the differences through the years. Got 69-72, 84-90, 92, 99-09, 11 & 12 plus 11 Silver. Found the best deals in bulk buys on ebay and will eventually fill in the holes from 64 up. Buy them wherever I find them, most LCS visits see me leaving with something.

Been thinking of breaking out some sets but that's just to let a particularly nice example out. While a set of the older ones with all nice coins is very elusive, I do find the occasional cameo.

I just got a 1976 proof set - the silver Ike, Kennedy, and Washington quarter. I was looking for the Eisenhower silver proof, but it looks so nice I'm reluctant to break it open. Any advice here would be appreciated...

I'm a newby to the hobby but I contemplate this all the time. My goal is to have a complete set of proof sets eventually so I am loath to open one without buying a replacement first.

I've started with mint sets from key (to me) years to fill in some Whitman folders. For me it was far easier to practice coin handling skills on business strikes than proofs, also it was far easier to cut into cellophane rather than breaking into plastic! I'm sure many old-hats will chuckle at this but I just imagine coins flying everywhere the first time I break them out of the Mint packaging.

Bottom line, enjoy your coins the way YOU want too.

I am not sure I totally agree with this. I used to get them in the 70s and early 80s. They are worth less today than what was spent on them. I once thought the modern silver sets would be good to subscribe to. And I always buy one to save and one to (hopefully) sell at a future date to help pay for the one I keep. But after holding a few for a couple years, the modern sets either lost or stagnated in price. So I cancelled my subscription. If I am patient, I can have the same proof set for cheaper a year or two after they are issued. And I also save money buying at a show or coin shop b/c I don't need to pay shipping costs the mint charges. Now if silver does another spike and stays there, I might actually have a few modern sets that I might be able to say I got a slight profit on. After a few years of it, I am also thinking of canceling my Proof Eagle subscription. I am not sure the price I pay (and shipping!) is not more expensive in the long run.

The only times I think I'd break open is if one or more coins were worthy of sending to a TPG (hasn't happened to me yet), and if there was a problem with the packaging (only happened once). Otherwise I leave 'em alone!

ETA: that's re: OGP. For Capital lucite, I usually switch them to Whitman set holders, then slip into ziplock bags. The Capitals I've gotten are usually really scratched up, and have unsightly toning/spotting.

Thanks, that's just what I did. I started looking for the individual coins. I'm keeping the set the way it is.

I started collecting the annual sets (mint, proof, silver proof) in the late 90's, so I have a fair number. A loooooong way to go though. And storage becomes quite the issue as the OGP takes up a lot of room.