To Grade or Not to Grade?

My vote = do not grade it. It will probably be more valuable as a set intact than if broken up.

 

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...and be absolutely certain to retain ALL original government packaging ! Keep the whole assembly as original as possible !

 

Thanks for the reply! Why do you think it will be more valuable not graded? And what does keeping the original packaging do for hte value?

 

I'll preface this by saying I agree that the difference between a 70 and a 69 is trivial. There will likely be numerous 70's. And a First Strike label is meaningless, given a five hour sell-out on coins minted weeks earlier. The 25th Anniversary label means nothing to me...the two unique versions only come from this set, so it unnecessary to say so on the slab label.

Still, I haven't the slightest doubt that a 25th Anniv, First Strike, PR/MS70 will sell for quite a bit more. There's no explaining why people want 70's, cert labels with fancy notations, all looking alike for their sets. But they do.

By way of example, here is a full page ad from a dealer in the latest issue of Coin World. Prices are for one set (all 5 coins):

Ungraded, opened box: $799
NGC 69 coins w/ 25th label: $899
NGC 70 coins w/ 25th label: $3,975

Sure, you can say an ad isn't proof they will sell at those prices. But obviously this shop thinks they will and it's putting its money where its mouth is (on an expensive ad).

I don't collect ASE's but I bought 5 sets to sell. I will send the unopened box to PCGS, have them graded with all the dumb labels at the ridiculous cost of around $850. Total spent for the 25 coins will be roughly $2350. Then I will sell them (I may keep an S and a RP).

How it will turn out is anyone's guess. How will they grade, will the market cool or get hotter? But every instinct in me says the 25th anniversary coins will be very much in demand. ASE's are the biggest collectibles series the Mint has produced in decades. Inscrutably, only 100k were minted.
Lance.

 

Thanks Lance! From what I get out of your reply is that you believe I should have these graded. Are you a member of NGC? If not you can become a yearly member and with the cost you get 5 free coin submissions. That will lower the service cost.
Mike

 

Yes, that's my opinion and what I'll do. But I wouldn't want to debate it further. It's all speculation.

I have submission privileges with PCGS, NGC, and CAC. But thanks for the thought. The sets will be dropped off to PCGS at a show next week to save on shipping and insurance.

The package from the Mint is huge! The box is 14.5" x 11.5" x 8.5", the same for single sets or 5-sets. This won't fit in any flat-rate box, unfortunately. So postage will have to be determined by box dimensions and weight.
Lance.

 

If you, yourself, are not reasonably sure of the question you ask (i.e. will it go 70), then you are likely bet off leaving as-is.

Said a bit differently, you've shot yourself in the foot if they get a 69.

IMO of course.

 

That was very well said, G.

 

Understood and thanks! After considering all replies I am going to take the advice of not getting them graded.

 

Honor? You embarrass me. lol

Sounds good. I should be there.

 

Is anyone else thinking the best long term option is to leave all sets in the box unopened? My problem is I think 10-15 years from now (or more) an unopened box of 5 would be the best overall investment, but at the same time I can't help but to want to open it up and have a peek! Plus I really want to give a set to my grandfather for Christmas, not that a 5oz ATB wouldn't make him just as happy.

Any advise or similar thoughts?

 

Who knows? The best investment might be to sell it now and buy it back later.

How much extra do you think you'll get for keeping the box sealed for 15 years? It probably depends on how many are already graded PR70 by then.

 

I know it's up in the air, but the potential rewards are huge! Looking at the 20th anniversary sealed sets of 10, sellers are asking $6k and there aren't many out there it looks like. It's certainly not an apples to apples comparison but should be close...