OK. So I thought about trying to start buying the uncirculated sets from the us mint. So, it costs $31.95 to get the US mint proof set (5 state parks quaters, 4 presidential $1s, and 1 penny, nickel, dime, quater, and native american $1), all in proof condition. However, it costs the same to get 2 sets of 5 state prk quaters, 4 pres $1s, 1 penny, nickel, dime, quater, and native-amer $1. One set from Philly, other from Denver. Coins in uncirculated condition. Why the same for both???
There are more costs involved in minting proofs versus uncirculated. The dies are polished to a greater degree,the planchets have to be polished before striking and they're handled individually instead of by machine.
Ok. Now i've got my Warman's 2006 US coins and currency field guide with me. It says that, the 2003 S Proof Set could be sold by someone for about $28.50, however, the 2003 Mint Set could be sold for $30.00. I've got the money to buy either a 2010 proof or mint set, not both. It sounds like if i'm going to get X2 coins in the mint set than the proof set, the better option would be the mint, correct?
If you're going to worry about long term value or value of these sets down the road, it's a real crap shoot. Nobody has a crystal ball to determine what these sets will go for in the future. Many of the mint and proof sets from the seventies, eighties and ninety's can be had at very reasonable prices. Don't think of these things as an investment 'cause quite frequently these sets will sell for less than mint issue price in the after market. Bottom line, because you are a gentleman on a budget, I'll say go with the mint set. Just my opinion....
Alright, I think I'm going to buy the set. Is it fair to assume the coins I am getting will be in U (Uncirculated) Condition? Also, I'm not going to open the case of the coins directly. Is their standard packaging acceptable for the coins?
