[QUOTE So, in a few years...you might not be able to sell it for even close to what you paid.[/QUOTE] Well, that certainly depends on spot price of silver in a few years, don't you think? And I would think the mintage of each ATB has something to do with the price. Based on my limited research, mintages have been limited to 27,000 for the 2010-dated releases and 35,000 for the 2011-dated releases. And this has to be factored in as well: "Initially, the coins were priced at $279.95 each, but this was later reduced to $229.95 on October 7, 2011, and finally to $204.95 effective December 27, 2011." http://news.coinupdate.com/us-mint-sales-atb-five-ounce-silver-coins-sell-faster-1194/
I don't know why, but someone has bid $1300 for an NGC SP70 hot spring's hockey puck on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-5-OZ-S...26?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2574a2ebe2
I'm just referring to the design of this coin, but why on earth would anybody want to spend that much for 5 ounces of silver that looks like a urinal that is wearing Homer Simpson pants? Aside from a consideration of mintage, etc., that coin is by far the ugliest of all the designs to date, in my opinion.
I wonder if it's a set collector and there are lots of points assigned to this coin. I can't imagine any other reason... How else can you explain this? http://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/61258/1995-W-1-Silver-Eagle-NGC-Proof-70-UC
Tell me about it...that bid was placed 1 week before the auction closed....and there is a 10% hammer fee.... YIKES
Back to the topic at hand for a second. If you're dead set on having your bullion graded, would you spend $1300 on one 2010 Hot Springs PCGS SP70, or have the entire 2010 set graded PCGS MS68 DMPL First Strike for $1399? Oh and remember the bullion value at current spot is $793.50. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-PCGS-GRADED-MS68-DMPL-COMPLETE-SET-FIRST-STRIKE-25OZ-/261091781997?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item3cca486d6d
It's different strokes for different folks, as stated before. I'd take the bullion. I'm about increased value, be it ounces, dollars or whatever, and I'd guess the chance for larger appreciation goes with the set and 25oz than the 1 coin. When you get to that kind of money for a piece, there are less and less buyers in your audience.
I have an ATB Vicksburg, bought from the US Mint website, it's ungraded. I paid $204.95 plus $5 S&H. I wouldn't sell my coin for $600-$800. Not because I think it's worth that much or more now, but for the possibility of it's future value. I stress the word "possibility". ~I work for a living and live for coins~
I'm not a collector who sends coins in for grading but I might change my mind on the pucks if I can get a 6-fold increase in value. I must say that every puck from the mint has been delivered in virtually perfect condition. I was surprised by the high quality of such a large coin. Each one must be close to an SP70.
You know, I've always thought it was strange that people thought of certain coins as bullion when they are really not intended for use as bullion. ASE. BULLION. 1995 w ASE. Try 34 bucks. Ridiculous how people don't appreciate art and high condition/rarity when they see it.
I remember someone bought the single 2010 5-pc set of sp70 ATB pucks from HSN for $15K when they first came out. Man, I'd hate to be that guy...
Wow. Apmex wants $1295 for this coin. :yes: http://www.apmex.com/Product/63047/2010_P_5_oz_Silver_ATB_Hot_Springs_PCGS_SP_70_First_Strike.aspx I bought one of these coins from the mint when it came out. (it's the only ATB that I have purchased) I happen to like the design and had the notion the first coin in the series of the vapor blasted variety might do quite well in the future. Seems this is the case.
Just goes to show how different people approach things differently. This is the only 2010 specimen puck I didn't get, simply because I hated the design. To me, it looks like a urinal wearing Homer Simpson pants. Anyway, even knowing what it may be worth today, I still don't regret not having it, as I still hate the design. Along with the fact I know the national park it represents pales in comparison to most of the others.