Over the years I have purchased several Items in their "Orignal Box" or in the "Original Packaging". More often than not when I received the item the original box or packaging looked like it came in 3rd place in a hacket fight. In other words , dirty, torn, written on, and generally abused. My question is this. How important is it to you to have the original packaging and what do you look for? Would you send a coin back if it were nice but the package looked like it went through a Bruce Willis movie? catman
In my opinion, the whole situation could be avoided by the seller describing the "original packaging". I have seen a lot of old proof sets that are still in their original envelopes but there is writing all over them and many are torn. At that point, I would have to say that "original packaging" does not add to the value anyway. As long as this is described accurately (preferably with pictures), then it is easy to make the decision. If an item is described as coming in the original packaging and the packaging is in bad shape and this was not disclosed prior to sale, then I think at least a partial refund is in order, or a full refund including shipping costs.
It depends on what the item is and what the original packaging is. Any proof set since 1955 I rally wouldn't care about, too many of them around. An original box 1936 - 55 is a little more interesting. And the further back you go the harder it is to find and original holder and the cooler they become. The original holdrs for the commemoritive half dllars can be interesting. How many original late 19th century proof set holders have you seen? How many CASED pre-1858 proof sets have you ever heard of? I know of four and I am only sure of the existance on one of them today. (1843 set in the ANS collection) Early British sets from this era are seldom seen but do trn up from time to time. In the 1790 and early 1800's proofs for the SoHo mint or the royal mint would sometime come in copper shells. Think of copper Kointains made to close tolerances and a pressed fit made with eighteenth century artisanship. These shells have done an excellent job of protecting these proofs for over two hundred years, yet when the Boulton and Watt collections were sold many dealer who managed to get some of these coins took the coins out of these original shells and had the coins slabbed and discarded the shells! Sacrilige!
As a collector, my opinion is that the packaging is almost as important to me as the contents (of course the contents and their condition are the most important), I don't care if it's last year's set or last century's. If I see Mint packaging in excellent shape then it's a pretty good bet that the contents were taken care of as well. Of course, there are exceptions but still the majority of the time it holds true. Also, I want to pass on my collection and have it in the best shape as well, so whatever I add to it should not take away, that includes the packaging. I consider everything involved as part of the collection, not just the coin. To me, those details (box, documentation, cardboard inserts, COA, etc.) make the difference between a collection of coins and a coin collection. So, how do you make sure this happens. I always ask about the coin(s) and the packaging when buying online. If I look at an auction with a "stock" picture instead of the actual coin, I ask about what they're going to send. If it's not right when I receive it, I ask them about another in exchange. I know it's a hassle (believe me) but it's my collection and I'm the one that will be looking at it and showing it off. In the end, if I ever sell something off (hope not) then I never have to cover up anything or apologize.
Personally, I wouldn't give two cents for "original packaging". I collect coins, not boxes, envelopes, paperwork or coin holders.
I will have to agree with Jody526 on this one. While I do have some items in original packaging I hate to add more to the list as packages gobble up storage space and like it or not many packages ARE NOT designed for long term storage. Throw in the fact that many are bulky and you have to use tupper ware tubs to store things. You can't believe what I have from various countries around the world! Wooden display cases, cardboard mounts, cardboard folders, credit card sized holders, felt display cases and on and on! I am running out of room unless I concentrate on COINS only which I am now doing! If a coin comes in "designer" packaging I am taking them out and putting them in 2X2s. I have found the old metal slide storage trays or cabinets are excellent for storing coins in 2X2's by country. Easy to get in and out and all in a very small space!
Here's some interesting original packaging that I've never seen before, and likely won't see again. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3950952471 Nick
As one who collects such items - it's very important to me. But then that's me - it may not be to you. But when it comes time to sell it - if that time ever comes - it may well be important then. For items in original packaging typically sell for more.
