My dad dropped my 1995 proof set and the plastic case broke. What would you do with the coins? Would they be worth more graded? Or would the fees not be worth it?
The real question is what to do with your father. :hammer: In the future you may only want him to pick up your coins if his hands are directly over a feather pillow and deep shag carpet. I would consider putting the coins in a Capitol holder. Grading fees would probably exceed the value of the coins.
LOL. Yeah I know. He actually stored some of my coins in his lock box. I went with him to the bank to look at some of his coins, and pick up my coins. I put some in my pockets, and he put some in his. And a bunch fell out of his jacket pockets when he was getting in the truck, and the proof set broke even though it was in the cardboard holder too. Oh well. I'll handle them myself next time, hehe. What is a capitol holder?
I misspelled it. It should be 'Capital holder'. Capital is the name of the company that makes the holders.
Capital holders are pretty expensive, though. You might consider this option if you want to keep the coins for a long period of time, in a set for display. Personally, I'd bust it open and put them in 2x2 holders, but then again I'm a cheapskate.
Please don't say that. What you suggested is exactly what I do now and would suggest for him to do the same. Why not start a Proof Album. Take the proof coins out and place in 2x2's. Place in those plastic sheets that hold 20 of them. Place in any order you want. Makes a neat looking album. I use a White 3 ringed bindeer. Made a full sized coin on my computer for a cover. Love making my own albums. Maybe I too am rather on the thrifty side (cheap).
If you have an Ebay account you can usually find an original empty 1995 proof holder in the coin supplies section for around $5 - $7 delivered.
Take the coins to a local dealer. Tell him you want to swap the broken set for a new one, and let dad pick up the difference in price.
AdamL Hobo's idea of a Capital Plastics holder is a good one. And do I have a deal for you. I recently removed a proof set from a Black Capital Plastics holder. The holder is old, but in good shape. It's yours if you want it. It's like the picture shown above, 2" x 6", but the center layer of plastic is black, and it has gold letters. I can't sell it for anything worthwhile and if you can use it, send me a PM with an address and I'll mail it tomorow.
Don't say what? Did I do something wrong? This is my practice, too. I just cracked open a set a few weeks ago...it was terribly moldy, and the coins were to be ruined. I just put them in 2x2s. That's not good for everybody, though. Some people might want a Capital holder, just 'cuz it looks nicer.
One thing no one has mentioned.. I have never been able to drop a mint set or proof set and it has broken open. I use a plyers and screw driver to open mine.
Oh, yeah...don't drop it further to try to open it. I wasn't trying to say that. I have used a boxcutter to go along the seam, but pliers/chisel/shears would probably all be fine.
So, how do I get these nearly flawless proof coins into the holder without touching the surface? Right now they are still in place in the cardboard holder they came in. Just the plastic is gone.
You don't want to touch the surfaces with your hands, etc. Gloves work well, but you can gently press the coin out of the mint holder directly onto the center layer of the Capital holder, then using a 2x2 flip or a small piece of paper you can nudge it into the holder space by the edges of the coin. Any number of ways can work, just remember no skin to coin contact.