I just learned about these stickers . I'm just a causal collector of mint sets but It looks like just another way to get more money out of you .
It's fairly expensive to get on your own (at least $10 per coin, meaning $200 for a 20 coin mint set like the 1958). Depending on the grades and the year, you might benefit but you can just as likely lose money after the grading fees (if something like the 1958 set does not increase by $200 after being verified). I have owned a few and I won them at auction already graded for not much more than the set would sell raw (certainly not enough to justify the $200 someone spent on grading). Now for the earlier sets, there might be a benefit. Also, if you like the presentation and can find them already verified for a fair price, then that can be a good option. https://www.osv.expert/services.aspx
I saw a couple at one of the higher end dealers in town last week. A 1954 double mint set was priced at 700$. This set wasn't even spectacular. the coins were dark and drab. Most of the coins were graded MS65 and above. Neat thought but I am not sure how they will do in the long run.
The service has been around for several years now. And in my observations, many of the sets are neutral. There is a good reason for that: if a set has spectacular coins, then those are often sent off by themselves to PCGS or NGC.
This was developed by a family member of the Frese brothers. Come visit us online @ https://fresebrothers.com They have a shop in Littleton CO. And where I first heard about them 2-3 years ago at ground level.
Well you have me there. Yeah the Fresebrothers contact is a no go for me either. Here is the website. https://www.coindealerlittleton.com/ It seems to have changed names. The Frese brothers used to be seen at most national shows.
It just seems a little strange to me. They will verify that it is an original set and that all the coins came from that original board by taking them out of the board and putting them in a multi-coin holder so that they are no longer in the original holder.
I could be wrong, but I'm wondering if that - with "that" being removing them from the original holders and placing them in better, more protective holders, and certifying that they came from original mint packaging - is not the primary purpose. (I'd see that as the "meat" and grading as the "gravy".) I can see where some folks would consider that as being beneficial. Well, the primary purpose beyond making money from doing so of course.
From the website it seems they also certify the packaging with the set in a separate holder or something like that. First I've heard of it, Not sure if it's useful except for additional fees racking up. someone might appreciate the additional step I suppose. "OSV has developed a pricing structure that includes one flat fee that will cover all grading and authentication by ANACS as well as the verification process for all coins housed in the Original Set boards by OSV. The stickers affixed to these Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco holders will verify the originality of that board. The cardboard boards and envelopes will also be encased in a separate holder for each of the sets." Found a picture online of what we are talking about for people that don't know what it looks like. Something like the below I guess would cost $300 in fees, not including the shipping. This seller that was on ebay was asking $400 for the set and ended it without a sale. I think the set itself without the additional service or grading sells around $300.00 though.
Is there really a collectible market for coins "from mint sets?" I get wanted an original mint set, and I get wanting coins in high grade (and one would assume mint set coins would be)...but certified coins out of a mint set...for the sake of being from a mint set seems odd to me.
All ya have to do is think about the literally thousands of questions about that very subject that have been posted on this forum over the years. A great many people have and or have had a desire to collect coins in original mint packaging - and a great many do exactly that ! But there is also a large segment of the market that likes the idea but doesn't do it because they know the original packaging is and or can be destructive. Remove the destructive aspect of original packaging, but preserve it with slab like documentation, and many of those who collect the mint products would be happier as well. You also have to remember and take into account the value aspect of original packaging. To a lot of collectors that is a big thing ! And they pay premiums for it ! And you can push it even further than that when you consider how many collectors will even pay a premium for unopened mint products. Without question, the market is there. But I fully understand that not everybody sees it that way. Again, different philosophies.
I can definitely see the added value of the set pictured here. If I was in the market for an early mint set in original packaging, this would be a great way of preserving it and preventing coins from being switched out. However, $300 in grading fees is a lot. I would be satisfied with a simple designation to the effect that the coins are problem free, such as grading them as “uncirculated”. From there the eye appeal, or lack thereof, would drive the price.
I totally get it...I get the original packaging thing. I also understand that it the original packaging can be destructive. But, I would think if you goal is original packaging...it wouldn't matter is some third party encapsulated the coins and documented it...they are still removed from the original packaging. I suppose they are selling the service...so there must be a demand. It just seems odd to me.