Question about Mint Sets on eBay

I ran across a listing on eBay this morning that I thought looks like a pretty good deal.

It is for a lot 1957 - 2008 Mint Sets for (what I thought is a good price) only $639.00?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-08-PROOF-SETS-RUN-FREE-SHIPPING-10-AVAILABLE-/200645840791?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2eb76c8f97

Here is a similar set, only with 57-64 sealed.... for $669.00

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-08-PROOF-SETS-RUN-57-64-SEALED-FREE-S-H-5-AVAIL-/200645841059?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2eb76c90a3


Am I just too "newby" on looking for coins to add to my collection, or is this really a good deal?

Thank you,

Robert

OH! And if I did indeed run across a "really good deal", y'all please leave me a set.

 

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check out www.numismedia.com,you should be able to get an idea of the values of each set.

 

I took the lowest value of each set from 1957 to 2008, added them up, and came up with $693.

Sounds like an easier way to get the whole lot by spending either $639 or $669.

Thinking about doing it.

Thank you,

Robert

 

It seems like a reasonable deal,however,you may want to get some more oponions here I don't know about you,but I would never rush in to spending $700.

 

I would double check that big blob of text listing everything you are bidding on to make sure you are getting the whole set and not just pieces of it, particularily in the 1999+ years. The sealed listing I personally think is kind of a joke...if it's really "sealed" there is no way for them or you to know what's in it!

 

First off Robert, those are proof sets not Mint sets, and yes there is a difference.

The Mint sets contain uncirculated coins, the proofs are made on proof planchets an entirely different manufacture process.

The difference in price for the second run, is the seller is trying to market the 57-64 sets, which came in envelopes and cellowraps, are sealed. However, the Mint did not ship those sealed, they were all open envelopes.

If you want one of them go for the first one you linked, that price is not bad really and free shipping.

 

Thanks folks. Yes, it seems reasonable, and eBay has this person listed as a Top Rated seller. It seems safe to me to go with the deal, but, as you say, it's close to $700. And that is $700 I wasn't planning on spending any time soon.

I'm going to wait to see some more replies... hopefully... from some of the other folks on CT. I'll see if their feedback may tempt me to stay away from this, or go for it.

I have a load of U.S. Coins, but I only have 1 Mint Set, from 1995. I was thinking just yesterday that I'd like to get more of them, then I saw an Auction Listing by The Lost Dutchman guy for a 1990 Mint Set, and that led me to finding this 1957-2008 deal.

Thank you,

Robert

 

He will be getting the entire 57-08 run, not pieces of it. I know the seller and he is very reputable.

 

Thanks BU!

Another question then. Are Proof sets generally preferred over Mint sets? Or are the Mint sets more valuable?

 

Bobby is indeed a good seller.. Keep in mind.. these are ARE ARE ARE proof sets.. NOT NOT NOT mint sets..

 

i too have bought sets from bobby in the past. so at least you know you will get what you pay for

 

Don't know Bobby but he come well recommended by some reputable folks here.....

That's a lot o' 'jing' to lay down all at once Robert. Wouldn't you like to eyeball some sets (maybe at a local show or dealer). I know it's convenient to pick up the whole shebang at once but in doing that you're trusting the eye of the seller and not your own. By selecting sets individually (and in person) you're guaranteeing the best quality in your purchasing endeavor. Just a thought.......

 

I'm having second thoughts after looking in to the difference between Proof Sets and Mint Sets. Now, I'm leaning toward looking for Mint Sets rather than Proof Sets.

Jim M! Thank you for pointing that out.

And, another "Thank you" to green18, for pointing out that is a lot of jing to lay down all at once.

I've been chomping at the bit to start working harder on my collection since I joined this board just a couple of weeks ago. Heck, I've been collecting for 50 or so years, but mostly I've relied on just searching my change when I get home from the store. I've never gone looking for any specific coins.

I started doing inventory on what I've collected over these 50 years, and I realize I don't have much in the Mint State quality of coins. One of my biggest search items over the years has been 1976 Quarters. I think I have close to 400 of those, but there are a lot of years, probably 1980 to 2000 or so, that I don't even have 1 coin for. Mostly what I put aside for my collection are "older" coins.

Thanks to all who have answered so far.

Robert

 

In my opinion, mint sets are more desirable. The pre-64 proof sets are cool but most of them after that (clad years) are not as valuable.

Honestly, I'd say try and stick to uncirculated sets, not the proof sets, especially if you're seeking long term value.

Also, coinsbybobby is very cool, I've purchased plenty of uncirculated sets from him. So if you do decide to buy from him, he's a good choice and always has sets available.

 

Actually, that price has come down considerably in the past year and half.

When Bobby listed them in his eBay store for the first time, he was asking slightly more than $850 for a proof set run like that, and he included shipping, and the 3 SMS sets from the 60s.

 

Well, you either want the proof or the mint. If you're still on the fence just wait, i mean there are still 8 available. And 630 bucks is alot to spend.

 

Buying proof sets in bulk for your collection is generally not a good idea.
While I'm not throwing asparagus at the seller here, many sellers will foist off their less desirable sets in these bulk lots.
Better you should buy your proof sets one at a time and have the chance to examine them and cherrypick the best sets for your burgeoning collection.
Just my 2¢

 

I don't want to discourage you in any way. However it should be considered that two mint sets out of three are very mediocre. For some dates it's even worse and the typical set won't have any really nice coins in it. Almost all proof sets have multiple very nice specimens.

My point is simply that if you have the opportunity to pick through mint sets you can acquire nice ones and skip the poor ones altogether. The risk here is you might never find a nice one before the price increases substantially and that you'll end up pay significantly more to buy nice sets since most sellers will want a higher price for cherried sets.

The nice thing about buying the whole run is you get to see about what they look like right away and if the price goes up you'll have something to trade for a nicer set. What I'd suggest is go ahead and buy the run and then work on upgrading. Most of the cost is up front.

Some of these sets sell for close to face value so the cost is really rather nominal.

 

You take the same chance when buying them directly from the Mint as well.

No difference really.

 

I cannot recommend Numismedia (as was suggested previously) as these sets are beyond common and regularly sell for well under the prices listed in retail guides. If you have any coin shops in your area, it may be worth stopping in or giving them a call, especially if looking or willing to buy sets in larger numbers. Often such dealers will be overstocked on at least most of the sets and may be willing to sell at a substantial discount just to clear inventory. However, it may be in your best interest to buy each date individually so you can be sure to pick sets of the highest quality. Just keep in mind that paying retail for most dates is leaving money on the table.