Did a search on the site and could not find anything. Are the John Mercanti autographed slabbed ASE's worth the premium they are bringing? Seems, the ones I've seen online are selling for over what they are listed in the PCGS and NGC price guide.
Hmmmm - thought that fad died a quick death over 10 years ago. Guess somebody has revived it again. Let me ask you this - do you think the autograph changes the coin any ? Didn't think so. Next question - is the autograph itself worth anything to you ?
He was chief engraver of the mint for a number of years and engraved the reverse of the ASE. As for the autograph, it's not worth anything to me and IMHO would distract me from the coin. I wouldn't want the autographed slabbed even if I got it for the same price.
I agree with both of you. I haven't heard too much about them so was just wondering. Guess there was a reason, I haven't heard much about them.
While this is true, today's breed of collector does place a certain collectible premium on different slab "types" which is what these offerings are. Sample Slab collecting has had a significant increase in interest over the past couple of years. For Silver Eagles, the coins are all the same, readily available, and except for the fluctuating price of bullion silver, very affordable for nice looking coins. Personally, in leiu of building a "Slabbed Silver Eagle Set", I've chosen to build a Silver Eagle Slab Variety Set so I did purchase one of those Mercanti coins. There are several other slab types which I still need to purchase but all in due time. edited Will my set be valuable in the future? Probably not but today I find it interesting. A Lot more interesting than chasing MS/PR70 Silver Eagles which many folks do. But thats just me.
The only place I've ever seen the autographed slabs is on TV. The Chappelle show had a 25th ASE set in Mercanti signed slabs the other day. They wanted something like $2500 for it .
While its not a 25th Anniversary Set slab, here's one I recently purchased. I don't afford it anything special other than the label.
i wouldn't pay any extra for one. I have 1, I got when i wanted an extra 2011rp ASE from the 25th set and the best price i could find was in that slab, not really what i wanted but the price was right
Wow. I saw them on Paradise Mint site and they wanted anywhere from $75 and up depending on the type of ASE.
You can find slabs autographed by all sorts of people, from the coin designers to politicians. Even Gerald Ford autographed slabs.
I guess depending on how many he signs would determine if they will be worth anything when he dies. Personally, I don't collect autographs, I collect coins and guns, so I see no value in his signature.
I'm reasonably certain they all are. Except for maybe the Sacky slabs that were signed on the outside of the slab with a magic marker.
Then there really is no added Value. I can get a copy of almost anyones signature in digital format, it doesn't mean a damn thing though!