Hi everyone I am new to the forum and new to collecting. I plan on buying other sets but I would like to focus in silver. So I decided to start with the 2010 and 2011 silver proof sets and a subscription with the us mint. Now I would like to go back and start to purchase the older silver proof sets , and I am not sure where to buy. Should I try eBay or a local dealer or can anyone recommend an online dealer? What should I look for in a set .. In other words how do I determine if a set has been tampered? Any other advice for a beginner is welcome. Thanks Ricardo
Welcome. I'm in the same boat as you and have started with a few sets. Now trying to fill in some in-between sets by getting them on ebay. But recently I found out the coin store I've been going to have some of the sets, and he sells them close to ebay prices too. But be careful on ebay, there are lots of people selling only the quarter set and you don't want that. Its much better to get the full set with the other S series coins. And always check completed listings to know the current price of a set so you don't overpay. As far as the case goes I can't tell if the case has been tampered with either but I'm sure someone here would know.
Welcome Ricardo. I think you would do better on price from a local dealer on the silver proof sets from past years. Most of these I see on eBay are on auction rather than a buy it now price, and the bidding on those auctions can get crazy to as much as stupid. Go to a local coin show, also, as you can find many dealers with silver proof sets and you can compare prices as well as have a little haggling power too.
I actually find some deals on eBay at times. I used it to fill the holes in my uncirculated sets that I needed. So don't rule it out entirely, but just be cautious, watch items before just bidding. Also I try to find some that end late at night or real early in the morning, most people aren't up and you can sometimes snag at a price lower than book value for certain items. I also like the auction style rather than buy it now option, that's where if you can land the deals. You just have to be patient though, set your willing price to pay and if you lose, then move to the next auction where you might snag it for the price you want. I actually landed three sets, 2001-2003 uncirculated mint sets for $18 bucks on one auction. I think all three combined is roughly about $60 in value, so just be cautious, check the seller's reputation, shipping charges and browse through their past auction sales to get an idea if they're worthy or not.
Welcome Ricardo. Yes, I've purchased from them before. They are sometimes a little slow at getting things out to you but all in all, they're solid to do business with. I recommend them........
Can't say I have, but a quick look shows their prices on some items are pretty reasonable for the most part.
Pre 1999 sets examine the edges for stress marking or cracks. 1999 or later the sets were not sealed and can be opened and closed without showing anything. Best you can do is a tissue test to make sure none of the silver coins have been swapped out for clad coins. Lay a single layer of tissue paper over the set. Silver coins will look white through the tissue, clad coins will be gray. There is no way to tell if high grade coins have been swapped out for lower grade ones.
Thanks conder101 That is good information to know. Especially now that I am going to go back and start with 1999.
The modern silver proofs started in 1992 also the Proof sets 1964 and before are silver also. The 1999 Silver proof set is the highest priced.
You will find very friendly and knowledgeable collectors in this forum. Silver proof sets are a wonderful way to start a collection. Since I began collecting in 1969, it is hard to believe that modern silver proof sets have existed for 20 years now. My recent emphasis has been buying modern silver and clad proof and uncirculated commemorative coins.
These sets tend to move with the spot price of silver so wait for a dip before you buy. BTW: Mintproducts is a good place to buy them. It may cost slightly more than on eBay but the quality is very good (i.e., less hazing, worn out boxes, etc.). Get on their mailing list. They offer 5% off discounts on specific categories of coins every month. TC
I also am building a set of these silver proof sets. I've had good luck with my local dealer. Wish I had started back in the 90's!
