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 Replies: 16 / Views: 1,961 |
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Valued Member
United States
406 Posts |
So I was at the coin shop yesterday. I asked if they had any 76 silver quarter proofs. The guy went into the vault and came back with a bag of about 30. They were in the original mint holders (A small thick plastic holder). I asked him how much, he said $3.50 a piece. I smiled and said I'd take 5 of them. The Red Book price in PF65 is $8.00. Did I do good, or should I have bought them all? What would have you done? BTW this is my favorite coin of all time. Thanks!! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
790 Posts |
My slightly older catalog lists these at $3 each. Guess they've gone up a lot lately. If you love them and have the money to spare, then they are worth $3.50. Of course the two things to watch out for is that in '76 there were also nonsilver proofs and the $8 you state is for pf65, what grade are these?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
I think you did fine...... Only thing I'd say, is that you should never go by what the RedBook lists for prices......it's generally NOT very accurate. The 2009 RedBook came out already this year in early Spring (as they do each year).....so, obviously, how could they "have the foresight" to know what "silver prices" are going to be at the time of printing compared to the prices throughout the year?.......and then to use that "price" all year long until next early spring when the next edition comes out !.....So, the listed price can give you a "roundabout" idea......but don't live or die by it ! As we all know.....precious metal prices are a rollercoaster ride ! When silver is low.....most dealers will give you prices reflecting that.......and when it's high......they'll give you prices reflecting that. Edited by eaglefoot
09/05/2008 10:01 am
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Valued Member
 United States
406 Posts |
I am not anywhere close to being able to grade yet. However there is no blemishes on any of them. They are still in the plastic cases from the mint. They are 40% silver. Here is a pic of the holder they are in.  My next question is if they have been in the original holder, what affects them to be under ms-65? Thanks! Edited by sublime118
09/05/2008 10:05 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
Quote:
My next question is if they have been in the original holder, what affects them to be under ms-65? Thanks!
Easy !.......those "original holders" are NOT airtight !! Many Proof sets are "degraded" over time. Often it's due to "humid conditions" as to where they were stored. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
Also, believe it or not, many times "Proof" coins come straight from the Mint with little defects.....scratches, marks, blemishes, eye appeal, or some kind of issue that keep it from being a "problem free" coin. This would/could lower the grade as well.
That's why some of us who collect "Ultra Moderns" often have to "return" coins back to the Mint time and again until you get a "problem free" coin.
And Sets that are over 30 years old........you have to look for fingerprints as well......"permanent" fingerprints left on the coin (obverse or reverse)
As shocking as it seems to some......those sets DO get opened, the coins get examined (touched) and then put back into the case leaving a "fingerprint" that is permanent and horrifying years down the road.
Edited by eaglefoot
09/05/2008 10:22 am
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Valued Member
United States
406 Posts |
I see now. I'm glad I only bought 5. After taking a closer look, they are all fine with me. Thanks for the input, y'all are the best!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
 .......Get yourself a good magnifying glass too and a good light and you can really see your coins in a whole new light (no pun intended !..  ).....you'll be able to find "problems" on your coins much better. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4541 Posts |
Quote:
Get yourself a good magnifying glass too and a good light and you can really see your coins in a whole new light Eagle what do you recommend I need a good light and magnifying glass got any links> |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
Quote:
Get yourself a good magnifying glass too and a good light A magnifying glass is a great idea for scanning multiple coins like proof sets. I have a 3" lens that works well for scanning by Ultra-Optix, model SV-3LP. It also has a "bifocal" ground into the lens for higher magnification--but I don't recommend it for a lot of detail work--twin-lens loupes are less eyestrain. If there's a downside to these big lenses, they're going to get attention at dealer shops or coin shows. There I use a tiny 10X jeweler loupe that almost disappears in my hand.  Edited by KurtS
09/06/2008 7:45 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4541 Posts |
is a 30x overkill? I need one you have any recommendations for a place to buy?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
30x is overkill even for a diamond loupe. I think 8-10X is just fine for seeing varieties and details on coins. It's important to get a good one because it means far less eyestrain over time (most magnifiers at coin shops are bad). My favorite loupe is actually made for viewing 35mm slides. I use it reversed (clear section up) and it has the least eyestrain of all my loupes. $30 at B&H photo.  Course, I have my QX5 if I really want to easily study coins at 60X--on a 20" screen. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4541 Posts |
so the peak 8 is what you use?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5318 Posts |
It's the one I like best for coins of 5 different I own. The Peak is a leftover from film photo days, but I still like it best. There's probably a lot of options that work if you look around. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1228 Posts |
Eagle Foot is it ok to store coins in a brief case ?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
Quote:
is it ok to store coins in a brief case Well, I'd put them in ziplock bags.....take all of the air out and THEN put it into the briefcase.......that'd be fine. |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 1,961 |
Posted 09/05/2008 09:54 am
