US Mint Proof Sets

I am currently collecting the modern proof sets 1968 and up because I never bothered to in the past. I have quite a few of the 1956-1964 proof sets, actually at least 1 from each year that have never been opened. Someday I'll open them up to see if there are any surprises inside. Until then they are in individual ziploc bags in a dry environment.(multiple desicant containers)

I store them in their original holders and packaging in an area where the temperature is fairly constant with low humidity. Store some of those anti-humidity packs around them too. You can buy metal packs to reduce the humidity that are rechargeable via an oven too.

I usually buy 2 unc and proof sets from the Mint each year. Sometimes I buy 1 or 2 silver proof sets.

I had to buy my older ones from dealers. Usually at a coin show or from ebay. If on ebay, make sure they have good photos. If not ask for them. Otherwise don't buy from them.

Coin shows are great to look over and cherry pick the sets. Especially the 1964 for Accent Hair halves. Most dealers don't know what to look for, so a little education can go a long way. I'm a variety/error collector, so it does pay to buy books and read up on them.

And it is a really, really long shot, but look over the sets with the ones with the missing mintmarks too. You never know when a dealer might miss something. They usually look at the coins, before they sell it to you, just to double check though.

I own all the sets from 68 to present in original packaging stashed in a tote.
My Father bough the sets from the 70's and they still look like new.
My 1964 set in in aftermarket housing and I am currently trying to acquire
the sets 1963 and earlier.
I am a huge fan of proof coins and proof sets!

Boil large quantities of water. This gets all the air out of the water. Then use to fill a large tub and place all you Proof sets on the bottom of the water. If no air can get to them, they should last forever. Maybe.
Kidding you know.
I too have all the Proof and Uncirc sets from the Mint from somewhere back in the 50's. All are in plastic type tubes from Walmart. I think they are supposed to be for clothing storage but I keep all my sets in those. I order multiple sets of each for Christmas Presents and keep a few for myself each year.

With a few exceptions, all of my proof sets met the same fate. They were broken apart and the coins placed in my Dansco albums.

But if you intend to keep them as sets, the advice offered here is good. Like albums, they are not air tight, so keep them in a stable environment (low humidity, stable temperature).

I bought most of my (now disassembled) sets direct from the mint, but this advice will only help you for future purchases. For older sets, I feel a coin show is the best source for finding older proof sets still in good shape.

I buy three sets each year, one to do a jbuck and break apart for my Dansco's, one to set aside in it's US Mint box (not shipping box, just outer box) put in an after market blue cardboard box for storing Proof sets, and one set to go in an Eagle brand proof set album https://www.eaglecoinholders.com/os...?cPath=21_29
so I can actually look at them and enjoy them without taking them in and out of their packaging and messing it up.

Thank you for all of the replies everyone. It's fun seeing who has what and how they're collecting.

@jgfindring, could you post a picture of your album? The concept's neat but on the link you sent me, their picture is about the size of a postage stamp.

I really like your set up for the proof sets, jgfindring. I am getting ideas over here, and sometimes that is dangerous (especially when on a tight budget).