I've never ordered anything from the mint. What particular items have proven to be a good buy over a decade or so and what is to be avoided? Is it all good?
Overall, I would say you have made a great choice never buying mint products over the years. I can speak for mint and proof sets. I started buying 1 mint set and 1 proof set each year when I was a kid years ago, thinking it would be a good investment.......wrong! I got lucky maybe five out of thirty years! Is it all good? No, definitely not all good! When it comes to mint products, it's the luck of the draw.
Allow me to make an inquiry: when you say "good" do you mean products that increase or hold their value?
If you're a collector who enjoys the hobby, then there is nothing wrong with buying one or maybe two items such as Mint sets, Proof sets, or Commemoratives to add to your collection. However, if you're buying products from the Mint with the idea of making a fast buck by flipping them, you'll have to spend a lot of money just to get lucky. Chris
Buy from the mint whatever it is you like and enjoy. Just don't expect the value of items to increase, with any consistency, in the future.
The majority of things you will be better off buying on the aftermarket. A lot of things do end up going for issue price or cheaper in the long run with a few exceptions. The after market also allows you to pick the one you want instead of being at the mercy of their quality control
Are US mint offerings "worth it" over the long haul? no, unless you are talking about 200 years from now
I believe some of the proof sets from the 70's now sell for less than their original cost from the Mint. And don't forget to factor in inflation.
I've recently bought a 2008 gold/silver set for LESS than the price of when it was released. That's excluding inflation or anything .. just a $1 then : $1 now equation.
I love most of the mint products but I almost never buy them from the mint. Just wait a few years and buy them on the aftermarket. They will not only be cheaper but you'll be able to pickand choose the finest. Someday this will backfire on you and the prices won't come down.
