I recently found three proof sets from my childhood -- 1969, 1971, and 1972. The original boxes are long gone and the plastic cases are very scratched up. I was thinking about opening the cases and putting the coins into either mylar 2x2s or Whitman plastic air tight holders. Is that a wise idea? Also, when opening a proof set, what precautions should one take aside from wearing cotton gloves? Thanks!
Hello, and welcome. I don't think you'll have any problems if you only gently handle the coins by the outside edge. Just be careful not to touch the surfaces, or let anything else rub against them. You'll also want to store them in a cool, dry place. Of the two holders you've mentioned, the Whitman plastic is probably better for long-term storage. Good luck!
Proof Coins Be VERY careful when removing them from their original holder. Watch how much pressure you use so you won't have coins flying all over the place. catman
A quick question, as I am not sure: aren't the old cases for proof sets (from those years) solod plastic (no cardboard or fuzzy material insert?) If so, then for purely storage sake, the proof pakcaging is proably as good as anything, If they are scrathed that would impact viewing, of course. I second the mention of careful handling. I busted open a 72 set and you really do have to be careful.
Even with gloves you do not want to touch the faces of the coins, they will scratch , handle the coins by the edge only, for proof coins I also wear a dust mask, a cough at the wrong time !! murphy's law comes into play.
Do the whole removable project over a very soft cloth or covering of the surface you are working above.
Be real careful not to shatter the case either, it'd be awful easy to scratch a coin with a piece of plastic shard! Rachel
Wear safety glasses. These sets can be difficult to open and can throw shards of plastic at very high speed. Many of the nickels were pounded into the packaging with a hammer and block of wood in this era. Just break the plastic to get them out.
With the exception of a few Deep Cameo PR69 or PR70 pieces, the cost of slabbing these date proof coins would do little towards adding to their value and it would take a lot longer to recover your cost. Check the prices for these coins at the PCGS web site: www.pcgs.com I collect proof coins from 1964 to 1972 and have a few really exceptional pieces with long term investment potential, but mostly they all just look real cool! Just a note, the 1971S Proof Kennedy half dollar is the toughest of the group to get with a really heavy cameo on both sides. You see one, grab it.
