Hey forum, was wondering if anyone could chime in a reliable source to get Mint Sets from. Along with some older sets , I’m looking to enroll (if possible ) to receive newer dated sets as they are realeased- or would I have to order them as they are released?
You can find them at most coin shows. And if you can wait a couple of years for them, you can usually pick them up well under issue price.
The link that rickmp provided will be perfect for sets from this year going forward. For past years, you can get them from many sources, but it has been my experience that where you buy them will have a profound impact on the cost. TheFinn is correct, that usually they can be purchased at a discount to the issue price if you wait a few years. Kentucky is also right that eBay is a great source to pick them up at market price. If you want to buy them from online dealers, you will likely pay a bit more.
There's a dealer that's sort of local but I deal with mostly at the Whitman shows. He brings stacks of Mint and Proof sets to the show. I can get proof sets from the 80's for $3-5 each. I buy about 5 at a time for my wife; she uses them as gifts when she travels.
I have assembled a complete set of US Mint Sets from 1959-date which is when they started putting them in sealed packaging. This includes Souvenir Mint sets for 1982 and 1983 when the US Mint didn't sell any official sets.
1955 is the year you could get them wrapped in tissue paper in a little cardboard box or in the new film packaging, I think.
I think MCM prices aren't so bad. Many are 5-7 bucks with free shipping. https://www.moderncoinmart.com/us-coins/proof-and-mint-sets/mint-sets/
I would buy from a dealer so I can actually see what condition the coins are actually in. Buying sight unseen or just from photos on ebay may not show imperfections that can't be photographed. Most sets have already been cherry picked for quality. The suggestion above to wait a couple of years is a good one after the market has settled but then there is the risk that a key set might come out like 1999 and 2012 and you might miss it.
Your best bet is to look for nice fresh sets. There's a lot of variability in quality so it's great if you can hand select them. Many dealers will let you mix and match them for a small premium. Avoid sets that look shop worn as they are often picked over. The best sets often come in batches of five nice fresh envelopes. Good luck. There's still lots of great stuff out there.
I’ve been trying to make my own AU 1983 set! Can’t find the quarter in good enough shape ( also, never hunt quarter rolls) lol
