Proof Set Question..

There are a few proof sets which will always hold there value and thru the course of time will without a doubt continue to rise .

These would be any of the earliest sets, 1936 -1955

and then there are the sets which contain anomolous coins such as the 70-S no S dime
71-S no S Nickle
75-S no S dime83-S no S dime

There are a few others but you get the Idea.

as far as the recent sets go , there are are a few that will more than likely rise in value.

Having said all of that, there is a great belief among collectors that Value of a particular coin or set is secondary as a reason for collecting coins, and that Historical and asthetic value is why coins are collected.

What is your feeling about that sentiment ?

Rick

I would agree that the 1936-1955 proof sets and the error proof sets are a good choice for long-term value.

Many of the more recent proof sets have followed an interesting pattern. Sometimes (and it is difficult to predict which ones will do this), a particular issue will increase in value rapidly for a few years after it is issued. Then, as interest in it subsides or people who bought them in the year of issue cash in on the increased value, the sets flow in to the secondary market and the value peaks, and recedes to an equilibrium which is sometimes lower than the original issue price. Those who like to gamble may want to try to make money off these sets, but some sets just seem to drop in value after the year of issue and never go through this peak. You could easily lose money gambling on this. If I remember correctly, 1986 did this (and is still worth more than others, but is down from its peak). Some of the late 1990's sets are at their peak now and may well slide down in the years to come. I don't yet have a feel for whether the proof sets including the State Quarters will have long term value. I suspect not (although in 100 years, they may be valuable); there are simply too many of them around. Right now, 1999S silver has gone completely nuts ($275 according to a recent price guide) and 2001S (both clad and silver) is quite high too.

Heather