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 Replies: 18 / Views: 2,643 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
I have recently started collecting Proof Sets for older coins. I am confused at how these coins are supposed to be stored. Some of the sets I have seen come in the cellophane packages, and then some of them come in actual plastic holders. Which is correct?
I am guessing that people have taken the coins out of the cellophane and then put them in a plastic holder, but I am not sure. This seems to be something I have noticed with proof sets dating back to the 1960s and earlier. Most sets I have seen from the 70s and later are already in platic holders that came directly from the mint.
Any information would be appreicated. Thank you.
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Moderator
 United States
187702 Posts |
Starting in 1955, proof sets were in cellophane (until 1964).
Starting in 1968 (and continuing today) proof sets been issued in solid plastic holders.
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
What about even before that? How did even earlier proof sets come?
Some of the sets I have purchased from the dates you listed (1955 - 1964) are in a plastic holder. I assume someone took those coins and put them in the holder. Does that affect the value of the coins?
I have finally amassed proof sets from 1967 all the way up to 2010. I know the older sets are tougher to find and of course more expensive, so I didn't want to get taken if the older sets should be packaged a certain way.
Thank you for your quick reply.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
I have never seen an original intact pre-1955 proof set, but I believe that the they were individual coins, not in the same holder. They may have been in a box or envelope, I am not sure. Removing them from the original government packaging should not affect their value, but there are people that prefer them to be in the original package. I am not one of them. I have removed every single one of my and put them in my Dansco albums. This is my personal choice though. I am also unconcerned with value as I never plan to sell them.  If you are collecting them as sets, then it is up to you to decide if you are okay with the aftermarket holders. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1231 Posts |
The early 50's sets came in boxes. 1955 had both boxes and flat packs. The eralier ones pre 1950 I believe came in a small envelope. But you won't find any in origanal packaging prior to 1950. or at least none I have ever seen
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Thanks guys. I appreciate it. Just trying to learn some new things. Really enjoy collecting even though I am new to it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1231 Posts |
if you do a search on ebay for proof sets, you will see the different packaging for certain years. Except 1949 and earlier which are in after market holders |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
I have been getting many of my sets on ebay. Hopefully everything is legit. Looking on there is one of the reasons I was confused in the first place. Seems like some of the same years are offered in different packages. I'm learning. :) Just got a 1955 in a holder on ebay. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
A lot of people took the earlier proof sets out of the original packaging and put them in Capital holders, which were plastic holders made by a private company.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Always check to make sure there is no or little possibilities of air leakage in any of those.I suggest you put them in a Zip Lock Plastic Bag for long term storage just to make sure. Better to spend a few cents on those than allow an old Proof set to get all messes up.
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Valued Member
United States
438 Posts |
As onejinx said, the early 1950's sets came in a small box, about 2 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch tall. Each coin was in it's own cellophane pouch. Problem is, the cellophane became very brittle over a period of years, and pretty much disintegrated. The coins were left floating around unprotected in the box with flakes of cellophane. I kind of doubt any remain in original packaging for that reason. However, a number of the boxes still exist.
ACE Mike
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Wow!! Great information from everyone. I appreciate it. While this is a newer hobby, I have been learning a lot.
Here is another question if someone knows the answer. Is there a way to tell if the proof set is a Silver Proof Set or if it is just a regular proof set?
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
Yes.
When in the original government packaging it is easy because they insert of the lens is a different colour. For the last 12 years there was a red insert for silver and blue for clad. Starting this year the silver coins have a black insert, while the clad ones are brown/tan/beige.
If they have been removed, it is as easy as looking at the edge of the coin.
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
2011 Silver 2011 Clad Official images from catalog.usmint.gov
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
2010 Silver 2010 Clad Official images from catalog.usmint.gov
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Pillar of the Community
United States
797 Posts |
I have a proof set from either 1954 or 1955 that came in that small whitish colored box that somebody described earlier. Each coin is sealed in its own cellophane (?, not sure exactly what the plastic type material is) and I think they might be attached by a small staple. All of the cellophane is intact and the coins are all in nice shape. I would never remove them from their packaging because the original packaging is part of the appeal for me. Now in the future, if I still have it and the cellophane is breaking down or something, then I would put it in a nice holder, but so far it still looks great.
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Replies: 18 / Views: 2,643 |
Posted 02/03/2011 3:08 pm
