I got my first Somalian Elephant today. 2014. Amazing proof-like quality coin, and they're available for the same price as Maples.
Here's an image Gimme_More_Coins of the only Pre-2002 Panda I own. I am keeping an eye out for a 1989 Panda, my favourite of all the Panda designs.
Those look about as good as you can get'em. I have one with ding marks on the sun and another one with slight wear marks on the blades of grass. (I know.. it's bullion)
Sorry to hear that. I should count myself lucky then? To me (and you as well I bet), they are more than just 'bullion'. They're little pieces of art that I enjoy to look at. So the better condition they are the better.
Nice coin! I am also looking out for the 1989. Mintage of 250,000. The 1990 mintage is 200,000. Getting a 2008 on Thursday.
Those seals wouldn't have survived thirty seconds in my hands. I don't do well with sealed boxes where I can't see inside. Proof sets "sealed" inside their OGP lenses, OK. Proof sets still sealed inside the original shipping box, not OK. I would not be able to sleep until I had inventoried/verified the coins inside the box.
If i get itchy fingers, i'll grab a random pirate chest. This one has a "secret compartment" in the bottom. I'll get to that later. Some bullion to amuse me.