With everything that is going on, coin collecting is still a fun hobby, and there are a lot of coins to collect. I am proudest of my almost complete collection of proof American Silver Eagle coins.
From 1986 to 2019, my father bought two proof American Silver Eagle coins. One was for his collection, and the other was mine. When the U.S. Mint issued special sets, I would purchase one for myself and attempt to purchase one for my father. I was able to purchase the 25th Anniversary Set for myself but could never buy one for my father. On the secondary market, too many sets were broken up and graded, ruining the grandeur of the five-coin set.
I am missing the 1995-W American Silver Eagle.
Although there have been problems with the U.S. Mint’s e-commerce site, I have been able to keep up with my American Silver Eagle collection. Recently, the U.S. Mint shipped the American Silver Eagle Reverse Proof Two-Coin Set. My set arrived before I left town for the weekend.
Like many collectors, I love the look of reverse-proof coins. The shiny devices make the design stand out. When I show the coins to non-collectors, the coins make an impression.
What does not make an impression is the package.
For a set that costs $175, the package feels cheap. The insert is cheap plastic that holds onto the coin so tight that the coin is difficult to remove. The box is thinner cardboard, and it is not in a clamshell box, like other sets. The package appears as if the U.S. Mint modified it from a copper-nickel clad proof coin.
The U.S. Mint might think that the package does not matter. There will be collectors that will take the coins out of the package and send them to a third-party grading service. This attitude does not consider those who prefer to keep the coins in the original government package (OGP).
My entire collection of American Silver Eagle proof coins is in its OGP. The 2021 set looks like an afterthought next to the 2013 West Point and 2012 San Francisco two-coin sets.
At least the coins are gorgeous!
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Scott
I have been told by knowledgeable people not to send anything for grading and encapsulation unless you are going to sell. Probably the people who break up sets of proof coins are people who will be selling the coins.
Sincerely
Bob
The only thing I can say is that your coins are always worth so much more when they are graded… However, I have never submitted a coin to be graded. It always seems like it is more effort than I’m willing to go through. I’m content to have my proof sets, Mint sets, and my American Silver Eagles, etc. in their original packaging. This is especially true with my 25th aniversery AE set.
There is a perception that coins are worth more graded. Some of the sets are now worth more than the graded parts. The 1995-W 10th Anniversary Eagle Set and the 25th Anniversary American Silver Eagle set are worth more than the sum of their parts. That’s because so many people broke up the sets that the OGP versions have gone up in price.
That is certainly good to hear that the original packaging and sets are worth more than their graded counter parts.. I’ve been a collector since I was a small child in 1956 and have witnessed a lot of changes in the coins in circulation. When I started it was before the removal of silver coins and one could find samples of all of them at that time. You could even get Morgan and Piece dollars by just asking a bank teller for them. Now is a different time when If you are really lucky, You might find a wheat cent or a pre 1964 silver coin…
Correcting an error in my post: Peace not piece… sorry
Scott
I had a thought this morning. If proof sets are being broken up, there must be a demand for individual proof coins. The US Mint should experiment with selling individual proof coins. It could be that the demand is for some coins more than others.
Sincerely
Bob
Are you saying that the US Mint should consider their customers?! What a concept! However, I would like to see them fix the website ordering issues first.
Scott
A solution to continuing problems with the mint’s website, the products they sell and perhaps other things is something I have discussed in an email with you.
Since the issues here really requires Congressional oversight and action, the ANA and as much of numismatics as possible needs to join forces and start lobbying on Capitol Hill. This would give numismatics a voice in Washington DC that it lacks now.
What do you think of that?
Sincerely
Bob