ASE Collecting

I have loved the ASE series and have often wanted to put together some kind of an ASE set. I wish they had started them one year sooner (I was born in '85) but I'm sure I'll get over that one day. Anyway...at this time, I'm not interested in doing a full set business strike/proof run. But, I would like to do a 1 coin per year set. I was thinking of picking up a Dansco album and just going for it.

I'm torn on doing business strikes verses proofs. Personally, I like proofs better and I don't have any...so it would be a from scratch project. I haven't collected that many proofs...so it would also be something different. I know that albums are not the ideal way of storing coins but they make them easier to view and that's how I prefer it.

I do have a few business strikes though. So...they question is do I dive in a go for the proofs (which at my core I like better visually) or do I stick with the business strikes because they look more normal? I understand the "collect what you like" philosophy but I would like to hear a few opinions.

 

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My album is business strikes and proofs plus all the newer SP's and I must say the proofs looks stunning in an album. I use the Littleton album because they are known to tone fine silver well and the white background really pops with proofs. If you don't want to risk toning go with dansco or if safety of the proofs is a concern and you'd rather not have holes and slides go for the CAPS albums

 

I've been collecting the proofs since 2000 and I have the business strikes, going back to the start of the program, in a Dansco. I've collected the burnished version since it came out in 2006.

Like you, I plan on getting all of the proofs someday. I also enjoy collecting all three versions, even though the mint issues (collector) are pricey.

 

The few proof ASE's I have bought in the past, all hazed.

 

Mine are toning........and rather nicely.

 

I hadn't considered the haze issue. Perhaps the business strikes are the way to go. Like I said, for the time being I'm thinking one coin per year and then maybe down the road moving on from there. I also have a few business strikes already so I have start.

 

I collect both. Some people do have nice Danscos of both (paging @dwhiz ) but the fields of proofs get impaired with the slightest touch so I would worry about proofs.

 

I know you said one per year but I have not started backward collecting the proofs I'm missing since not having the 1995-W proof would drive me nuts.

 

I started one too after I started collecting Silver bullion via ASEs.
Since they looked so much like the early Walking Liberty halves (or is that halfs? lol).

I checked on eBay and you can be already filled Dansco albums if you wanted to collect them the quick way.

 

I think I'll do a standard business strike set (not the burnished coins). I had forgotten how easily the proofs haze and have issues. I don't want to worry/deal with that.

The next question would be...which album to use. In the past I have gone with Dansco...but that was just because I like the leather look. Is there anything these days better? Intercept Shield or Littleton? Any thoughts?

I'm not just asking from a materials/safety standpoint but also quality and presentation.

 

I have the entire business strike mintage in a Dansco album and add when new ones are available. Don't have any proofs but might if prices decline.

 

I have a complete set of business strikes in a Dansco.
The Dansco will not prevent toning.

 

I always think in terms of the "stoppers".
If you go with proofs, will you also include a 1995-W?
If you go with circulation strikes, will you include burnished?
and if so... will you include the 08 rev of 07?
decisions, decisions...

 

Haven't seen you in a while @CamaroDMD ! Welcome back. I have a collection after ASEs in a Dansco and they're just the bullion strike. I think they look very nice.

 

You do what or whatever you want. It'll be your set and there is no right or wrong in how you approach it.

 

I understand that...but I wanted to be reminded of any issues the proofs have. I haven't looked into ASEs for a while and I had forgotten about their tendency to develop a haze or become otherwise impaired. Now that I have been reminded, the bullion strike BU coins seem like a better fit for me...so that's what I'm gonna do.

Now I just need to figure out how to house them. Probably a Dansco but I wanted some opinions on other options.

 

I realize you do, but how many times does someone come here asking a similar question who does not? It's basically become my general response; my apologies for not making this clear.

There are other nice albums out there, so it may be worth checking them out, even if only in photos, but Dansco is the classic and I would think for your needs/wants quite well. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

I totally understand. No worries.

I already have several Dansco albums and I like them. I will probably stick with those but it never hurts to poke around and ask.

 

Not at all...

There's another Dansco-like album I saw a few years ago that was really very nice, but for the life of me I cannot recall the name. For what it's worth it was a different color... not that this helps though.

 

I used a Dansco because my LCS was selling a used one for $5.