Looking to buy a 1988 (my birth year) ASE, I've always prefered normal, just not a proof guy, but proof ase is so pretty. So proof or normal strike? Secondly, it's been a few years since I bought a mercury dime roll. What should I pay for a mixed roll of BU mercury dimes? Thoughts? Thanks.
I'm a fan of the proofs. They come in a nice presentation case from the mint. Some people prefer toning on silver -- I'm not one of those people. The proof ASEs, even the ones from the 80s, I've come across have been well-preserved. As for the dimes -- current (2/23/2012) spot price for a roll of 90% silver dimes is $98.50 (good God). I see them go regularly for $150 probably based on speculation more than numismatic or historical value. I'd be a buyer at $120 if you can find such a thing. Good luck!
Buy what you like. Proofs are about $25 more (maybe $40 for a business strike $65 for a proof). Coinflation gives you current melt values. Real BU mercuries are going to cost. When sold by the roll, many sellers will sneak in slider AUs, and these coins are not worth full BU price. Difference can be 2x or more in price so be careful. A real BU roll might cost $9 or $10 per coin. For 50 dimes a roll would be $450 to $500. Melt value is about 25x face value with silver at $35 (25 x 5 = $125 melt value). AU coins will be more than melt value, but less than real BUs.
on the ase you want to buy, buy what you like, don't let others tell you what to enjoy, and for the dimes just do some completed sales on ebay for a semi-accurate price of the going rate
It's a method of manufacture. Proof coins are struck differently from business strike coins. They're struck on specially prepared planchets with highly polished dies and struck multiple times to bring out the high relief and sharp edges associated with the strike. Proof coins exhibit mirror like fields and frosty devices.
#41.98 at APMEX >>>>> http://www.apmex.com/Product/1084/1988_1_oz_Silver_American_Eagle_Brilliant_Uncirculated.aspx
What??? $450-$500 for a "BU" roll of generic Mercs?? I wish! Maybe half that for a 1940's roll. We are not talking rarities here. For a generic proof ASE 2x melt is a bit high.
