ASE Complete Set Purchase

The only one I think would be worth having graded would be the 1995-W Proof. And actually, I wouldn't have it graded, I'd buy it graded. Absolutely no for having the rest graded. Use your eyes. I've seen some highly graded coins that had issues and I've seen ungraded coins that were perfect. Buy the coin, not the holder.

I think it's a good idea to add a bullion, burnished and proof each year. If you're picky retentive like me, you'll want perfect coins. I go to coins shows and ask to see the new bullion ASE for the year. If the coin I look at isn't perfect, then I ask to see another. There's nothing wrong with paying someone a couple extra bucks for a perfect bullion ASE. Beware of the idiots who put their bare fingers all over the bullion coins. They will leave black marks years later. Alternatively, you can buy current year bullion ASE's from the large bullion dealers. They generally know how to properly handle coins.

If you buy the current proof from the mint and it has a problem, then you can send it back for an exchange. At the price these coins sell for you'd expect someone to look them over prior to packaging, but apparently it doesn't happen. I had to send a proof ASE back this year. Same goes for the burnished ASE's in theory, but I don't ever remember receiving one that had a problem.

I like the proofs marginally more than the burnished, and will likely end up with a subscription eventually once I decide what I want to collect all of - look at examples at your local LCS to decide what you want in your collection.

I have gotten proofs from the mint with damage or gunk in the capsule, and exchanged them. It was not a big deal.

I concur with previous posters - for 2014 and 2015, decide on the proof and burnished in the next few days, and order before they are only available on the secondary market.

If I were you I'd soak all of the coins in pure acetone, then remove and soak in a second acetone rinse bath. This should get rid of oils on the surface that would damage the coin over time. Although I haven't tried the experiment to see if fingerprints can be prevented with acetone treatment, this would be your best bet I think.

And from now, it's fine to handle by the rim with bare hands, so long as you're careful; some people like myself prefer to use thin cotton gloves while handling fresh ASEs since they are susceptible.

What is ya'lls opinion on ASEs as an investment? It doesn't seem like there will be a tremendous return on them, the main driver in their value being the price of silver. Agreed? How do ASEs such as the 1995-w proof become so valuable? I assume they didn't produce many, but why did that happen?

Thanks for the info Fox! I'm into collecting and silver investing. I usually just pick up bars and coins of pure silver from JM Bullion. Can you guys list your favorite places to buy bullion and your favorite places to buy coins?

I agree...JMB is great as is Provident. I always buy a roll (and recently two) of ASE's every year..my rolls go back to 1986.

I also am a sucker for anything interesting in silver. I LOVE those 10 oz. .999 Australians and have a bunch

Here are two quick point and shoot shots next to my pocket piece ASE for size comparison:

This is generally true, but I have occasionally found a great deal.

When looking at bullion or proof ASE's (or any coins for that matter), don't feel compelled to take what they are offering. It's very common for dealers to offer mishandled coins for sale. At the last show I went to a probably looked through 30 bullion and proof ASE's that a particular dealer was offering. Unfortunately, they must have been handling them like monkeys because ever single one had a flaw. They seemed kind of upset when I didn't purchase any, but if they would properly handle their inventory then they would have made a sale. I bought plenty of other dealers who know how to handle their coins. The bottom line is that it's going to be in your collection, so make sure it meets your quality standards.