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 Replies: 23 / Views: 5,422 |
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New Member
United States
14 Posts |
Okay so I bought a 1958 and a 1960 US mint proof set still sealed in the original envelope on a police auction website. I took them to a numesmatist who owns a coin shop near me. He told me to keep them sealed in the envelope still because buyers will pay a premium for him years later down the road. Is it odd though that one envelope weighs a gram and a half more than the other? I mean the only difference between the two would be the penny
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
I'm not positive but the 1958 might have a different cardboard insert(s) and maybe a message from the mint on a card. If they look good, and originally sealed, you're probably ok and I wouldn't worry about it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
Yes, some will pay a premium. A small one. Most others will not. I disagree with the person you spoke to. People will NOT pay a large enough premium to keep them sealed. Unless it is in the original shipping box from 58 or 60, I surely would not pay a premium. Not for coins I can not view. The only way for you to know precisely what you have is to open them. And that is what I would do.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1192 Posts |
I would keep packaging but definitely unsealed them to make sure it's what you ordered.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
I have heard many differing opinions on whether these were actually sealed from the mint or just have become sealed over time. Some say yes, the mint sealed them. And some say, the mint just folded them under and boxed them because they didn't want people destroying the envelope trying to open it.
No way that I would ever take the chance of handing down a sealed envelope full of lead slugs from generation to generation. Open it and enjoy your coins.
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Valued Member
United States
144 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
To the best of my knowledge the main (inner) envelopes (labeled something like "1958 PC") were never sealed.
There was an outer mailing envelope that provided the protection.
Sealed inner envelopes would be a red flag to me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4691 Posts |
There are ways to open the envelope without damaging it and resealing it to make it appear it is unopened, so I would not give much credence (or additional value) to them being "unopened" unless you can trace them to the original purchaser from the mint.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
937 Posts |
I guess it is all up to what you collect. Do you collect coins or sealed envelopes? If you collect sealed envelopes then do not open it. If you collect coins then open it. If you are a speculator and hope to make large sums of money from some foo... I mean some wise speculator willing to gamble on a pig in a poke then ebay might be your best bet. Personally I would open it every time. |
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New Member
 United States
14 Posts |
Here is the 1960 the 1958 looks exactly the same. I'll open them up I guess when I get home tomorrow. Wish me luck  |
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Moderator
 United States
187446 Posts |
Quote:
No way that I would ever take the chance of handing down a sealed envelope full of lead slugs from generation to generation. Open it and enjoy your coins. I could not have said this better myself.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4691 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8137 Posts |
Some people do pay a premium on ebay for proof sets that are unopened. I do not think it is worth it because I like to see the coins before I buy them. It is also a really easy way for someone to scam you. Open them and enjoy! also when you open them,  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
To the best of my knowledge the main (inner) envelopes (labeled something like "1958 PC") were never sealed. The only time they were sealed was when the collector only purchased a single set. In that case they sealed the envelope, addressed it, applied postage to the envelope and dropped it in the mail. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4691 Posts |
This thread motivated me. Years ago I purchased 100 1957 proof sets. They were previously opened and all were premium quality (spot free and top shelf). One was unopened. I opened it tonight. As expected, high quality spot free coins like the other 99 sets, but no super coins or cameos.
That's my report.
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Good job! |
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Replies: 23 / Views: 5,422 |
Posted 12/09/2014 12:47 am
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