So I am going crazy, I recently acquired some old sealed proof sets, 1957,1958,1959 flat packs. I may also soon be getting some of the older much more expensive sealed box proof sets from the early 50's. I want to open them soooooooo bad. What would you do? any one else have this problem or is it just me?
If I remember correctly the sealed flat packs started mid-way through the 1955 production run. Some 1955s and those years prior to 1955 the coins were placed in small plastic pouches and stapled at the top.
I don't think that brown wrapping tape is original, see the tear and missing piece ? In all the years I collected and searched for these sets, never once did I ever see such a tear. I would absolutely open them just to make sure what I actually got. These old box sets are the only sets there are, or ever were, that could be said to have been sealed by the mint. None of the Proof or Mint set inner envelopes were ever sealed. Only the outer mailing envelopes were sealed.
I could have, should have. would have, I could have, should have. would have, I've opened at least 5000 mint and proof sets and never thought a thing about it. Many were (supposedly) sealed, unopened mint and proof sets. Now there a scam for you. They even make after market red/brown envelopes to mimic the exact look of the original. All you got to do is slide your already searched or spotted sets into the envelope and seal it shut - walla, unopened proof set. Many sets have been originals though as you can tell from dies markers on consecutive runs of sets, (and color of envelope). But if you want to open them I say go for it - that's where the treasure may be, or not. If you are worried about running out don't - at least since 1959 there will always be sets to open all you got to do is look at the numbers. None of that stuff is rare. The world of coins abounds in enough material to last several more generations. Or you can just hold on to them and wish you would have, could have, should have and on and on. In other words "how many people aboard the Titanic "skipped deseart that night"? Im' really on fire today!
G you can try this site http://www.babcockpublishing.com/coins/proof-sets.htm Or this one http://www.raykomkacoins.com/produc...n-original-envelope&cName=proof-sets-19501964
I concur. We open them at work. What's the sense in owning if you never look? We open them for the slight chance we'll find a cherry DeepCam in there. Haven't seen one yet but if we don't look we'll certainly never know.