I don't want to make this a big deal but I definitely need some advice. I would like to buy 1 coin for each of my two children and my two nephews. I would be buying them for the year they were born - 2004, 2005, 2008 (2). I was looking at either an ASE proof for around $63 each or should I get the NG MS69 ASE for approximately $38 This is for a little something to give them when they turn eighteen Thanks in advance
Hello. IMO if you are just determind to buy ASE the MS69 would be my choice simply because all ASE coins are overpriced. The MS69 is a very nice looking coin and other than buying a raw ASE its about the average price. My advice to you is if you are willing to spend $63 bucks shop around and pick up the annual silver mint sets for the years you need. The annual sets are a popular way to remember a year and give the proud owner several coins from the year to enjoy.
If you are giving as gifts, I would go with the ASE proofs. The mirror finishes are spectacular. Shop around though. TC
Just a question on the silver proof sets if I choose to go that route who do you recommend buying from to ensure they were not picked through? Anyone else have any advice?
I buy my grandchildren the silver mint proof set and buy them directly from the US mint each year. I prefer giving those instead of ASE since they have all the coins minted that year. (14 coins in the 2010 set) If I was buying ASE for the years you indicated, I would purchase them from ebay without the grading but in original mint package.
Thanks! One last question who can I buy silver proof sets from that can "almost guarantee" they were not picked through?
The only way to guarantee that they were not picked through is if they are still in the sealed box from the U.S. Mint, but even then someone may have opened and resealed. I have had good luck with mintproducts.com. TC
I agree with using the U.S. MINT site to purchase the sets. They are usually available at local coin shops if you can find one near your location.
There is no way to be absolutely sure that these sets haven't been "picked through" but I will echo TC and recommend mintproducts.com. I've had good luck with those folks as well. They're honest and reputable although they can be a little slow with shipping at times. The only way to be sure of the sets NOT being "cherried" is to buy them directly from the US Mint. Unfortunately they don't carry any back dated merchandise. If you decide to go the ASE route, I'd recommend you just pick them up raw. I think it's a waste to buy ASE's in a TPG'er holder as most will grade out between '67-'69 anyway. Why pay that extra premium? Buy 'em and put 'em in airtites. They look just as nice....
Topcat has it right....the proofs are superior over the standard ASEs, but who knows how the kids would see them when they`re older? Bottom line is that either choice is a really good one for them, but if You do decide to go with the NG 69....shop around, You should be able to find them a lot cheaper than that.
