1950 proof set coins are outside Cellophane bags. Want advice.

Hi,

I bought a 1950 proof set via Heritage Auction (HA). Auction link -- https://coins.ha.com/itm/proof-sets...ane-wrappers-and-box-included/a/60493-51074.s

The auction description mentioned "1950 1C-50C Proof Set Uncertified. Coins within original cellophane wrappers and box included."

When the proof set arrived, I see the coins are outside of the cellophane bags. I noticed all the bags were either opened or have the sides damaged. Please see photos at the bottom. Does this significantly affect the value of this proof set?

Should I put the coins inside the bags and use tape to tape the bags? Any other suggestions? Can I buy replacement bags?

Should I contact HA for returns? I'm unsure if they will even return and refund.

I want to see your opinions.

Thanks!

 

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I would contact Heritage, but I don't think you'll have any luck.

 

I am guessing Heritage removed them from the wrappers to photograph them for the auction. However the description plainly states, "Coins within original cellophane wrappers" and they are plainly not in the wrappers. Sadly, being shipped loosely there is no way that they aren't damaged at this point. I am surprised with Heritage on this one. Yes, I would contact them.

 

Heritage was definitely loose in the language they used to describe the lot. Also, as Randy pointed out the coins will have sustained damage during shipping. Ask for a refund.

 

No doubt they're damaged to some extent. I'd also contact Heritage. They might surprise you and do something about it but likely they'll just give you the "we're not responsible" routine.

Bruce

 

I'd definitely register my displeasure with them. It's appalling to think that a professional outfit would ship something in this manner.

 

False advertising. Total failure

 

You have to hope they handled the coins with gloves, but I doubt it.

 

I have the sets going all the way back to 1950 myself (I have earlier ones back to 1936 that I put together myself). For each I took the coins out of the cellophane and put them in capsules. I keep the cellophane and tissue in the box with them, but I hate toned coins. Left in the cellophane, they will eventually tone, so that is my way around it. I guess it depends on what you want to do with them. If you intend to keep them I wouldn't worry about the value. However, as others have said, you might want to raise a stink with HA over the misleading description either way.

 

I don't know but the auction images seem to show that the coins are no longer in the cello wrappers. I would not use those wrappers again.
I would think that Heritage would have put the coins in flips before shipping.

 

Like buying a NEW car and it turns out to be a shop/loaner vehicle with 2k on the odometer. That’s what I did buying my 2020 Edge but the $3.5k savings swung the deal. Knew it going in. Hope you get some relief from Heritage

 

I'd suggest reaching out to HA. They're a very reputable auction house with respectful and professional staff. The item you received was not as described - coins were (obviously) outside the cellophane. See what HA says; they might offer you a refund due to description being slightly off. Depending on their response, you could carefully place these into 2x2s or one of those hard plastic holders. Personally, I would not attempt to stick them back and would not suggest using tape.

 

I would look at how much you paid for the set, and how nice the coins are. The 1950 Proof set coins are notorious for dull luster and poor eye appeal. A lot of those coins have been dipped to improve them. Often that did not work. They only came out duller. Having these coins in undipped condition is a plus.

As for storing the coins if you keep them, I would buy a Capital Plastics holder and put them in it. If there are any Cameo coins (both sides, not one), considered having them certified.

I had a 1953 Proof set which was in the original box and cellophane, but the cellophane went bad. I put the set in a Capital Plastics holder. I now actually enjoy it more.

As for returns, good luck. I doubt that will happen.

 

I just looked at the set. It has the usual haze original sets can get when stored in the original packaging. It’s not great, but it’s not terrible. Given the price of $660, that’s just over the Greysheet number of $625. Coins at Greysheet will mostly be in a Capital Plastics holder and dipped out.

I paid a premium for this set 40 years ago. This set is exceptional for the year without the Cameo. My head is finally above water. A couple of the coins would have a shot at the Cameo designation, but there is no guarantees.

When I bought this set, the cent was toned and I replaced it for $50 which was a good investment. Back then "bad penny Proofs" where regardly poorly, even when the silver was nice.