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 Replies: 31 / Views: 7,505 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
I had the dilemma of wether to open a proof set or not. Today I went for it and now I regret it  It was a 1972 proof set I got not long ago. I opened it to fill 3 holes in my danscos. The first thing I didn't like was that the plastic shattered and I almost swallowe a piece  the second reason was that the proof set in its original packaging looked more 'complete' than in my danscos. It showed all the coins minted that year. The last reason was that I only needed 3 of the coins, 1 of them being a replacement for what I had, and the other 2 went into 2x2s that can now get scratched and were exposed to the environment. The package broke and shattered, all of the coins were not used and now I can't enjoy the proof set. At least have more sets from different years which I will not be opening. Lesson learned  Feel free to share your experience and if you had any regrets after opening your first proof or mint set. |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12839 Posts |
All my mint sets (proof, Ag proof, unc) are in tact. I keep telling myself that I'm going to break them for albums but it just hasn't happened yet... Watch out for that plastic. Who knows what could kill you in the '72 packaging?! Good lord, we almost lost you! |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Do not open by chewing and you stand less of a chance of swallowing pieces Once they're opened they almost never go back together. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Quote:
Do not open by chewing and you stand less of a chance of swallowing pieces
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7192 Posts |
I too do not open my proof sets, partly in that I do not collect clad coinage and focus on silver sets so I have no modern albums to fill.
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Moderator
 United States
188660 Posts |
I broke all of mine (with a few exceptions) and have zero regrets. All of the coins were placed in Dansco albums (since I collect all denominations). Everything looks "complete" since those albums are full (at least for the modern proof set years). I really do not understand your problem.  I know, seriously, it is all personal preference and not everyone finds satisfaction in the same places. I am sorry this was not a fulfilling experience for you and take some blame since I encouraged you in another thread. For that I apologize. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1911 Posts |
I am in the camp of jbuck and although before I ever opened any sets I seriously wondered about it but once I finally opened a bunch to fill album holes, I never looked back and I love how they look in albums. Especially the silver proof quarters my State and ATBs look amazing once I completed them! :D Has to be preference like it was said.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1191 Posts |
I think that I am too worried about them being exposed and the chance of getting a fingerprint on them. I am fine with opening them if I need all the coins from the box, but when I need only one or two and the rest are going into 2x2s, that's what makes it not worth it. I am collecting all denominations as well (as you can see from my want list) and I will have to get all the proofs I'm missing eventually. Guess I'll give it another try. Ps. I feel like I just talked myself into doing this  |
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Moderator
United States
188660 Posts |
There is nothing wrong with letting them live in 2x2s until you can get the other albums together. You have to think long term sometimes. Plan ahead and be happy in the end.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
The other thing to keep in mind is that you can pick up a replacement on ebay for $6-7 shipped so all hope is not lost. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
For me, your experience makes me smile. I have broken open enough proof sets, in one sitting, to fill a kitchen trash can with the packaging. I have to say, it gets easier. To me 1972 sets are not hard, the mid 70's to early 80's have some killers. As Jbuck suggested getting a album for all the different coins, makes it easier to break them. Then you can break them and just put them in the albums. At first I would put the extra coins in 2X2's, now I put them in coin tubes. Unless they look very special, then maybe 2X2's or hard 2X2 holders. For some odd reason I like having rolls of proof coins. Another suggestion ... white cotton gloves and a cloth, like a clean towel. You can wrap the the proof set with the towel, work the set (twist) to get the seal to crack. Also, still try to only hold the coins by the edge, even with gloves. To me it is still possible to get fiber dust on the proof coins. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
I spent 4 hours trying to open a 1971 set and it just wouldn't open  I made a couple of holes around the box with the flat head screw but it still wouldn't crack open. Gave up for today, round 2 starts tomorrow  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Hello There -You do realize that what we want to see is a fast forward of you trying to open that set. Make us a MOVIE.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
The movie itself will take a couple days to see from start to finish. The original time would be a couple months  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1191 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12839 Posts |
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Replies: 31 / Views: 7,505 |
Posted 02/02/2016 04:13 am
