Proof Sets - Break Them Open Or Leave Them Intact...

A lot of it kind of depends on what kind of coins are in the proof set. If theres a truly superior example/examples you would increase the value (possibly substantially) parting it out and having it graded. If the coins are kind of so so theyre probably better off in the set.

Thats kind of the catch 22 of it, sometimes you have to break them out to really see but it wasnt always the best move. If you arent sure you can always leave them be and try figure out a better way to get a look at them playing with different lighting or something like that. You can always break them out later

I don't think that keeping them in the OGP has any value unless they are from before about 1955 or so but I am not sure that the added value is worth reducing your enjoyment of the coins. For most of my pre 1965 mint & proof sets, I have removed them from the OGP and put them in hard flips. A few really nice ones are in capsules. I like to be able to hold the coins in my hands, usually but not always with the gloves on. A cameo or deep cameo coin is a special beast, created by brand new dies and lasting for only a few strikes. Fully brilliant was the intended finish but they had to let the first few coins put the final polish on the die. If you ever decide to have some of them graded and slabbed, it will not matter whether or not they are still in the OGP. Just take care of your coins and do what you need to do to maximize your enjoyment of them.

I left all mine in opg and put them in an album. I then stored the envelopes separately. The only problem with breaking them out is that it cannot be undone. Leave em in and find a way to display them in my humble opinion. A lot of them have already been broke apart...

Generally speaking, breaking up the sets and piecing them out will usually be more profitable. But if you are not planning on selling them, then just leave them be.

Having said that. 55 and earlier present the biggest conundrum. More so 54 and back. The OGP for a small part of 55 and all of 54 and back really stinks as far as long term storage goes. The plyofilm (or whatever they called it) that each coin is in can lead to some nasty toning and black spots. But it can also do some wicked nice toning too. The coins can also clank on each other with fair ease. I have a 52 and a 53 set in OGP on lay away at my LCS. When I find a 54 I like, that will give me from 52 complete in OGP. But I REALLY want those coins out and in a Capital Plastics proof set holder to protect them. Plus looking at them is really a pain in that packaging. I will be making a similar post when I get them. LOL

But for those I would say leave them be. Try getting another set and pick between the two which one you want out and leave the other in. Best of both worlds.