If a sealed mint unc. coin in a plastic wrap is slightly opened where the seal comes together (as opposed to a tear or cut by a scissor across the plane of the wrap), does it lose numismatic value? I would assume it does. So, for instance, if you get what's below and there is a 1 cm opening that exposes the coin(s) to air where the seal sandwiches together, does the set lose value? Are you better off opening the package and putting the coins in an air-tite to avoid damage due to air? Or, do you just leave it? By the way, the 1964 set below is not mine, I'm just using it as an example as it is in the plastic wrap I'm referring to.
Yes. If for no other reason, there are less people who would be willing to accept a set in such condition. If the size of your potential market is smaller, you'll probably have a harder time selling them, which often translates to lower price. If you go the full disclosure route to make sure you don't have a dissatisfied customer, then your buyer is going to expect a discount, even if they don't really care that the packaging is damaged. Of course you can probably earn more money by selling them individually, but that's more work too.
The "Numismatic Value" is in the coins, not the packaging. Of course, there is a whole generation of folks that rely heavily on Original Government Packaging as having "added value" but to a serious numismatist, not so much since it's the condition of the coins which really matters. In the case of the pictured set, despite the apparent separation, that's really clean. I've seen some fairly beat up sets in the past which simply means that they have been seriously mishandled for many years. But hey, if you like that "new car smell" then go for it.
Of course it loses value! The cello wrap is the most important part. Who cares about the condition of the coins. Chris
Good point 19Lyds. I should have noted that the "collector" value of the set might suffer. Not necessarily the "numismatic" value of the coins.
ok, since it is technically damaged packaging as a collector set, it sounds like I should take them out of the packaging then... right? If I go that route, does anyone know if the mint tokens will fit in a dollar air-tite? It looks a little too small for that, unless there are special air-tites for that. I'm specifically referring to a blue Ike token, which is larger than the Philly and Denver tokens shown above.
Meh, I don't think it matters too much either way. If you want them out of the packaging, then set them free!
ok, I guess I'll take it out of the packaging then and put it in an air-tite. I don't think I'll keep the token though, which is about 36.9mm in diameter. So, I guess this black ring will do for Ike tokens for others' reference:
