I recently bought a 5 coin 1962 set, in plastic, no envelope or paperwork. The 1/2 is sweetly toned which is why the dealer held it for me since he knows I'm all about color. First, how do you tell the difference between a 1962 mint or proof set? No mintmarks, package insert is blue and says "US MINT Philadelhpia", dealer did say it was a proof set so I assume that it is. Secondly I want to have it graded (authenticated NT toning) by NGC and am reluctant to cut it out of the plastic since it is sealed and should be proof that it was not doctored. I don't want any other coins graded, just the 1/2 but can't just cut the 1/2 out because the plastic separating the individual coins has deteriorated between the cent and the 1/2 which is probably the cause of the toning, the interaction between the 2 coins. Any suggestions?
You say that the cello has deteriorated in one place near the half, and I've heard that some people have used hypodermic needles to inject gas to cause toning. I don't know if it is true or not, but it is always a possibility. If it were me, I'd call NGC and ask if you can submit the entire set "as is" and specify that you want only the half graded? If not, then you're only alternative would be to cut the cello-encased half out of the set, submit it and take your chances. Chris
In the Proof set the "US MINT Philadelhpia" insert is an embossed metal foil thing and I believe it is multi-sided. On the mint sets if I recall it is a round plastic disk. Typically when you submit an unopened proof set it is all or nothing, you can't just have this coin or that coin slabbed.
You be able to tell in about 1 second flat just by looking at the coins. The Proofs will have a mirror finish and the unc set will not. edit - Conder is correct about the inserts.
