How to tell 1957-P Proof Set from 1957-P Mint pack

how does one tell if the coins in these sets, are "original" coins that were "originally" packaged by "official" u.s. mint employees? and does it really matter?

After they are removed, there is no way to tell if they were mint set coins or just very well preserved coins for circulation, the grade tells you that, and so for MOST collectors, the grade will overshadow "original mint set" with the understanding that the highest grade coins probably originated from those sets.

I may be mistaken, but in my own experience, the coins removed from the sets and graded generally sell for more than the complete mint sets anyway.

 

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This is not the original mint packaging. Someone put this together after the coins left the mint

 

in the ignorance of my grading skills (and lack thereof) what's the best (or easiest) way to determine if these coins then are really "uncirculated" or merely plucked from circulation and maybe "cleaned" to look new / nice?
thanks much!

 

Others on here are more knowledgeable than I am, but improper cleaning can be evidenced by tiny scratches on the features or in the fields. An improper cleaning can also affect the luster of the coin, change its color, it should be shiny and reflective, not pale and flat. Grading uncs and higher to me is where the real skill comes in, I would think you might look at other examples grading at certain levels and always look at your coins with a skeptical eye, under a good light and high magnification. Hope that helped.

 

Not mint packages.

 

This is an original 1957 double mint set. It comes with the P Mint cent thru half dollar and also the D Mint cent thru half dollar:

 

I received this in 1957 from my Grandfather. I can't find any online packaged like this. Can anyone explain exactly what I have?
Thank you

 

Pretty cool. Your grandfather probably put the coins in the holder. Don't think the US Mint ever used that type of holder.

 

The sets came in a mylar sleeve in those years. Many were cut out and put into those types of holders either for better presentation or they thought the case would protect them better. You can find lots of proof sets preserved this way.

 

And also if you didn't know the half,quarter and dime contain silver and have some premium above melt value since they are proofs so does the nickel and the wheat cent.

 

I googled that mint sets from that year and they don't seem to match up with the sets in the picture. The packaging is slightly different with a different mint "token" or whatever it's called and a different envelope. Maybe someone with more experience with these can help but from what I can tell it looks custom.

 

That looks like a post mint assembled set to me. The uncirculated mint set came in a cardboard holder with each set separate holder that has a green sheet of paper glued to one side, folded around the long edge and loose on the other site. All the sets I've seen are double sets and have the obverse side of the coins showing at one end and the reverse on the other. I could be wrong, but think this is correct.

 

The 1957 proofs came in flat packs in cellophane or pilofilm. That looks like an aftermarket capital plastics holder which is nice but just not original packaging.

 

The easiest way for me is to look at the edge of rim. A proof has a 90 degree square to either side rim, Business strike has a chamfered edges so the outer edge will not jam old fashioned machinery such as a gum dispenser, etc. ( acts like a coin funnel)
I have already used this photo 2 times today so make it 3 !

 

It's not uncommon to find older proof sets like yours moved from the original packaging into plastic holders like this one. As long as the coins are undamaged, it shouldn't affect the set's value. Search for 1957 proof sets on eBay and you'll see lots of them in these holders.

What you have is a legit 1957 proof set that's been repackaged. Your grandfather's advice is good, leave it unopened

 

It appears to be an averge to sub-par proof set that has been put into an aftermarket Capital Plastics holder. But it did become valuable in the future. $2.10 (the cost of the set) invested at the rate of inflation in 1957 would only be $10.06 today. Nothing like the growth of the 1936 set he mentioned on the envelope, but it did beat the inflation rate.