I am getting ready to go to a local auction Friday night (Jan 09, 2009), which has some proof and mint sets for sale. They also have a 1979 and 1980 Dollar Souvenier Set in OGP (SBA's). I am curious as to what the value of these two sets would be, as I can not find them listed. Thanks Dave
Neither is especially desirable. They are not made to mint set standards so quality isn't especially high. The coins rarely bring much premium. The sets weren't made in very large numbers and attrition has been high so it's possible that some might feel there's a set premium on these. There are a very few of the '79 sets with a near date Philly coin in them and these do garner a set premium. The '80 set was made in much smaller numbers than the '79. They also made an '81 set and these are scarce and have a premium. I suspect that these coins are mint set quality but have never seen one. The '81-S is quite tough in gem in the regular mint set. You might have to pay a lot to get these sets but I wouldn't.
I hate these sets. '79- $3 '80- $3.50 '81- $15 Though you might be able to get them cheaper. '79 nd- ~$7. If there's a gem than more but dosn't expect gems. A nice choice '79-S is worth more too.