Hi all - I'm new to coin collecting (and this forum). I'm most interested in ASE proofs - I like the way they look; they're gorgeous. I've read many arguments of ms69 vs 70. I’m targeting MS70’s for now. Besides eBay, any recommendations where to purchase?
ASE proofs are graded PF, not MS. Not trying to be picky. Just be sure you're looking for the right coins. To answer your question, most of the big bullion dealers sell graded ASE proofs: http://www.apmex.com/category/22140/silver-american-eagles-proof-version http://www.jmbullion.com/silver/silver-coins/american-silver-eagles/ I've bought from Apmex, JMBullion, Providentmetals... very reputable, no problems. Be aware that "PF70" doesn't necessarily mean "perfect". I've heard that unsightly "milk spots" can appear years after the coin is graded (more likely on bullion coins, I think). Point is, make sure the Seller has a solid return policy.
Heads-up: The 2016 ASE Proof & Uncirculated coins are edge inscribed. It's a one-year-only feature that commemorates the coin's 30th anniversary. Kind of a big deal, as it required a new law: http://www.coinnews.net/2015/12/07/30th-anniversary-edge-lettering-for-2016-american-silver-eagles/ No release date announced yet. Supposedly sometime this Summer. FYI, you can buy ungraded coins direct from the Mint. They also have a "Product Enrollment" plan that automatically buys the coins you want: http://catalog.usmint.gov/product-e...gle-coins/?_ga=1.5358774.404332514.1446916421
Thank you. I've been purchasing a few PCGS MS70 ASEs off eBay. CoinNew.net - more to read! I'm going to look into the enrollment as well. I also have some ASE's from 1988 - 1991. Do I bother getting them graded? They're in a case (no documentation) - they're starting to discolor.
Get your "raw" coins graded? Might be worthwhile. Or not. I suggest waiting. After you have more experience, you'll know what's best for you. FYI, there's "bad" discoloring -- haze, milk spots, blotches. And there's "good" discoloring -- AKA "toning", adds eye-appeal: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-science-of-toning.84670/
Provident is pretty good. I think apex IMO is high on their items. MCMCOINS is ok, Sirius coin are 2 I've done business with & have had no issues with. There's 2 I can think of right off the top of my head. Agree with the milk spots or just spots 1 in particular that I got months ago got it out a couple weeks ago, I shared photos of with Ancientnoob he told me looked like the coin had been spittle on prior to being slabbed. Just something to think k about that I never did before. By the way it's a PCGS 2016 silver eagle.
mintproducts.com.........that's where I get all of my 'generic' eagles, but they're good for proofs as well........and graded stuff too.
This is the eagle noob said looks like it was spittle on when I bought & put it for storage this wasn't on there. I agree @green18 I have several ungraded as well.
The walking liberty design is one of the most attractive designs found on coins of the World. That is simply my opinion & it is probably attractive to many other folk seeing as it was adopted for use on the ASE. Here is one of mine: I'm curious if you are trying to "invest" your money into ASE for a return on investment or if you are more interested in buying & collecting coins for their beauty and maybe history? Whatever you like to collect is good. Just be aware that proof condition ASE bullion and coins may or may not provide a huge return on your investment. There are several folk that would not pay you more than spot for an ASE regardless of its condition being proof or mint state. You might try selling one of your proof ASEs to see how much you can get for it & see just how easy or difficult it is to sell. BTW, if you like the walking liberty design & you want to purchase a bunch of silver close to spot, then consider buying a bag of circulated walking liberty half dollars. Obviously they are 90% silver.
For now, I like the beauty of the coins and get to have fun while diversifying. I'm not looking to invest too heavily until I know more. I'm a boglehead investor (3 fund portfolio). If coin collecting spawns into something more, so be it. I attached a pic, all 4 coins look similar.
