Proof Sets from the Sixties

Tater · 07-05-2009, 01:35 AM

What are sealed proof sets from the early sixties worth? Has anyone found any toners in these sets?

illini420 · 07-05-2009, 01:52 AM

I think average proof sets from the early 60s are worth around $12-$15 each. The 1960 is worth a little more since you might have the small date cent. A quick eBay search should confirm what the actual current going prices are for each year or someone may be able to give you the Greysheet prices which are what a dealer might pay you for them.

I haven't collected proof sets much, but I've been told that there really isn't a good chance that "sealed" early proof sets are really unsearched as it isn't that difficult to search them then reseal the envelopes. Unless you can trace their history back pretty far, I'd assume (and I think most purchasers will assume) that these have been searched.

If you really think they are the real deal and are not searched, you may do better by opening them up to see if you have any that might be candidates for the very high grades that could command much more than the value of an average set. Also might have some cameo or deep cameo coins.

In 1960, you might have a small date cent which is worth a little more or a DDO dime which is worth several hundred. In 1961 you might have a DDR Franklin half which is worth well over $1000. In 1963 you could have a DDR dime which may be worth several hundred. In 1964 you may have accented hair Kennedy Halves which command a decent premium too.

That said, unless someone is willing to pay you a significant premium for the "unsearched" and "sealed" sets, you might do much better searching them yourself first and worst case you'd still be able to sell them for the going rates on an average set.

Good luck.

Ahab · 07-05-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tater

What are sealed proof sets from the early sixties worth? Has anyone found any toners in these sets?

Only a few, slightly toned.

mikenoodle · 07-05-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illini420

In 1960, you might have a small date cent which is worth a little more or a DDO dime which is worth several hundred.

I have never heard of this dime, nor is it listed on collector's society. Can you point me to a reference with the diagnostics?

illini420 · 07-05-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikenoodle

I have never heard of this dime, nor is it listed on collector's society. Can you point me to a reference with the diagnostics?

Never seen it myself, but page 155 of the 2010 Redbook lists a 1960 proof DDO dime being worth $350 in PF65... perhaps its a misprint??

illini420 · 07-05-2009, 03:05 PM

Just did some searching and found a 1960 DDO dime FS-102 graded PF66 on L&C Coins website offered for $375. Seems there are a few other more minor DDO varieties for that year too.

Here's the big pic from their website:

bhp3rd · 07-06-2009, 12:06 PM

There are dozens of great doubled dies in 60's proof sets but, there are also many things to watch out for regarding sealed sets.
There are many re-sealed sets which have been searched and there are counterfeit envelopes that contain sets that have been searched.
Generally people may pay around $5 over bid for these sets if sealed that seems fair. But having searched hundreds of these sets generally when you have a man walk in with say 100 sealed sets any random search of the first few, the middle few and the last will tell you whats in all of them - not always but that has been my experience.
As with circ. wheat rolls that have an Indian cent on the end I would not trust any on ebay any longer as being genuine and able to produce a gem or other variety.
If at a show where the original buyer bought them back in the 60's would certainly offer the best chance at original type items.

Boss · 07-06-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illini420

I think average proof sets from the early 60s are worth around $12-$15 each. The 1960 is worth a little more since you might have the small date cent. A quick eBay search should confirm what the actual current going prices are for each year or someone may be able to give you the Greysheet prices which are what a dealer might pay you for them.

I haven't collected proof sets much, but I've been told that there really isn't a good chance that "sealed" early proof sets are really unsearched as it isn't that difficult to search them then reseal the envelopes. Unless you can trace their history back pretty far, I'd assume (and I think most purchasers will assume) that these have been searched.

If you really think they are the real deal and are not searched, you may do better by opening them up to see if you have any that might be candidates for the very high grades that could command much more than the value of an average set. Also might have some cameo or deep cameo coins.

In 1960, you might have a small date cent which is worth a little more or a DDO dime which is worth several hundred. In 1961 you might have a DDR Franklin half which is worth well over $1000. In 1963 you could have a DDR dime which may be worth several hundred. In 1964 you may have accented hair Kennedy Halves which command a decent premium too.

That said, unless someone is willing to pay you a significant premium for the "unsearched" and "sealed" sets, you might do much better searching them yourself first and worst case you'd still be able to sell them for the going rates on an average set.

Good luck.

Thanks illini420- I never thought about that. I have bought these and never checked very well.

illini420 · 07-06-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss

Thanks illini420- I never thought about that. I have bought these and never checked very well.

Plus, if the price difference on a "sealed" set vs. and "unsealed" set really isn't too much, I think it would be a lot of fun and worth at least a couple of dollars to open them up and search them myself anyways. Isn't that the reason most of us collect coins??? To actually look at them???

Ripley · 07-06-2009, 10:54 PM

To bad they did not make a nice silver dollar for the 60-64 sets. Oh well, thats how it goes. Traci

illini420 · 07-06-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ripley

To bad they did not make a nice silver dollar for the 60-64 sets. Oh well, thats how it goes. Traci

Well a few hundred thousand 1964-D Peace Dollars were minted, but supposedly all of them were melted. I've heard from a couple reputable experts though that there's a few that sneaked out of the Mint but just haven't become public since they are illegal to own. Would be cool though to see one of those in brilliant proof