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 Replies: 18 / Views: 3,985 |
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
I just started collecting mint/proof sets. I started at an odd year (1963), and want to work my way to recent date, before going down. I received three sets that I bought today. 1968 mint set, 1964 mint set and 1964 proof set. Both 1964 sets had sealed envelopes. and the 1968 set was open (not cut open like a letter in the mail, just the flap wasn't glued down.
Now that that is laid out. I ran into a question that will affect my collecting of these sets going forward. I tend to get neurotic when it comes to condition on things, even if it doesn't matter. I ended up opening the two 1964 envelopes. The proof set envelope flap came open with minimal effort and no tearing, the glue was just crystalized. The mint set I had to cut open at the top. After doing this, I was asking myself, what is correct, and least harmful to my future acquisitions? Should I have left the envelopes closed? Now that I opened them, is the one I had to cut along the top now in an undesirable situation, or even the one that I managed to open the flap? I just want to figure out what I should do going forward. I do understand that the value (if any) is in the coins, not the envelope, but I am one of those guys that values the condition of both.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
 to the forum. Proof sets came sealed from the mint, mint sets did not. I know others will probably have different opinions. Mint sets might have become sealed over time. If you want to see what's in the proof set envelopes, by all means open them. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I have seen thousands of early mint and proof sets. Some with flap opened,
flap closed and cut opened. I believe closed or open does not affect the price.
The condition of the coins would be what is most important. For the collector
of mint/proof sets, I think the most preferred would be clean undamaged
correct enveloped. One's with the envelope nicely cut open seems to be
acceptable.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Agree on all counts. to the CCF! |
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New Member
 United States
45 Posts |
Thanks for your input. I picked up a few mint and proof sets recently (older ones with envelopes) and got a pretty good idea of what condition I can realistically expect. Coming into it thinking I was going to have all mint sets with new looking envelopes was not going to happen. I'm just going to shoot for ones that are not dirty, torn or excessively wrinkled.
Perhaps I can throw another question or two out there. If I have a mint set that looks like it has pin holes in the plastic protective cover, should I find a better specimen? Also, on a few of the sets (2 mint, 1 proof, it looks like there is a tarnishing spot, forming. Do I look for another set, or does this not matter? I do understand they will inevitably tarnish over time...but it seems odd to have 6 other coins in the pack that are not, then there is that pencil head size brown mark, or dark mark out of nowhere.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
I have a 1962 proof set with a pin hole in the plastic over the nickle and it has toned beautifully. So not necessarily a bad thing, just depends what you are looking for.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
It is possible to find 1955 - 1964 sets with good envelopes and problem free
coins. It is not a race .... Take your time and find the sets you like.
It will be much harder to find 1950 - 1955 (mid year) In the original box.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
When I was buying a lot of commemorative dollars, I purchased
many of them from "coinsbybobby"
I didn't have any problems and prices were fair
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I agree .. your top group seems to be in better shape.
And the bottom group have seen some action ..
Some collectors/dealers take better care of these sets
than others.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I am always watching for good storage boxes, they seem to help keep the sets in better shape. Like this one I got from Wizard coin supply.   |
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New Member
United States
45 Posts |
Thanks for the storage box tip. I was just wondering how I was going to manage that today. Is there suck thing as plastic sleeves or pouches to put the envelope sets in? I've received a few from vendors that had a plastic covering, but I have been unable to find any.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I have seen sets in ziplock bags ... But never thought I getting some.
It does sound like a good idea.
There is a chance they might have some correct size bags at
craft stores. Next time I am at one I will be looking.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
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Replies: 18 / Views: 3,985 |
Posted 08/13/2016 09:08 am
