New Product Alert: Pure Silver Proof Set - 150th Anniversary Of The Transatlantic Cable

I like the look of the dollar.

I like the scroll work, I will pick it up mid year along with proof dollar. This is the core of my collection. Its just not grabbing me, like last year set or the 2012 set. I do wish the price was lower. I look forward to seeing photos of this set.

You know the mint must not be selling as much as past years, when they offer the hook of a payment plan. It will help some people out. Many don't like to keep credit card balances, I don't. I pay it off each month, so I am careful with monthly balance. Maybe its also a way to compete with others like the coin show. It has a great payment plan. As a kid, stores used to offer layaway plans. pay so much a month, take it home when paid off.

I've always been careful with credit cards - full balance gets paid off every month. It's not a matter of the mint having an easy pay plan - if I thought the coins would hold their value then I pay for them. It's just that as I learn more about NCLT and the RCM I don't have to have the latest coin right away at their top price. I'm not so stuck on themes that I have to buy as soon as a new release comes out - especially given that in recent times I know I will be able to pick up the same coin set at a substantial savings. I get that some people buy and don't care about that aspect - and that's fine - but I'm not like that. Part of enjoyment of owning something is knowing that one is getting good value for your hard earned $$$. I'd rather wait and get a deal . . . and if the price of silver keeps trending down the NCLT market will have downward pressure as well.

WildflowerAB, thanks for your thoughts. I know there is a lot of negative sentiment in a few posts about the RCM that I have been reading recently - much of which I agree with, however when I think about it there is likely nothing the RCM can do policy wise to compete with the feeling one gets at an auction when you score a fantastic buy - especially an auction attended by 20 - 30 other "coin guys" that are looking at the same coins you are (and in my case likely more knowledgeable by orders of magnitude). That feeling when you get a piece in an auction at a great price may only happen a few times a year and it is a huge rush that is part of the hobby for me. That being said I may have to wait a long time before I get a deal on - for example - a 5 oz. Caribou coin from the mint . . . . those are not likely to come up at a public auction for a while - if ever.

For sure, for me auctions are the ultimate height of buying enjoyment as well. However I've come to like online auctions more than the physical auction house because it gives me more time to mull over what I might want to bid on, even though photos can sometimes be deceiving. However even just the opportunity of observing the behaviour of others attending a live auction can be somewhat of a truly fascinating event in itself and I always admire the skill of a good auctioneer......it has to have been the prelude to rap music!

I've also learned to back away from the emotional yearn to win and not become engaged in bidding wars and notice it's not difficult to win auctions amongst dealers because of course they're looking to buy at current wholesale prices and I'm usually willing to pay closer to current retail. I also can appreciate the ebay selling tactic of those who auction a few items with low starting bids because buyers like me might then be inclined to pick up another couple smaller items to add to a circulation collection and save separate shipping costs.

On the topic of the Silver proof sets, I really wish RCM would issue the gold-plated SD singularly.

For sure staying out of bidding wars - whether online or live - is a challenge and something I'm getting better at. Research beforehand helps as well - again online or live coins are often misrepresented. I was at an auction a couple of days ago and did not do my due diligence. Picked up an older silver dollar that was in a cardboard flip - supposedly UNC. Didn't have time to check it closely and won the bid only to find that it is likely UNC - however there were bad abrasion marks on it . . . Also, I keep telling myself there will be other auctions - it's just a matter of being patient.

The fact that a dealer is willing to break apart new coins sets from the RCM is kind of telling I think - showing that the mint is out of touch with their customers.