to grade or not to grade...

I just purchased 2011 ASE 25th Anniversary set, unopened and in its original shipping package. It was shipped on 11/12/2011 and apparently qualifies as a First Strike, should I choose to get it graded. My collection is of raw ASE coins, but I would consider grading this set if it made a significant difference to the value of the coins. I am new to collecting and have no experience with this. What should I be considering in making this decision?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

First, welcome to the neighborhood, Rob!

I could be wrong, but I think there was a deadline for these submissions....30 days? I don't know.

Anyway, it has been more than 8 years since those sets were released and I'm certain that the "feeding frenzy" ended a long time ago and prices have settled. Maybe you should contact the grading service (PCGS?) to determine if the First Strike attribution still applies.

Personally, I think the First Strike is just a bunch of BS to get more money from the customer.

Chris

 

Chris, thank you for the feedback. I did check with PCGS And they apparently still allow for the first strike designation, as long as the postmark qualifies, which this apparently does.It costs an extra $18 per coin. I think you’re right, it’s a marketing tool, and frankly I’m more concerned with whether to grade the coins in general.

 

If it were me, I'd open it to see if any would grade 70. If they would only grade 69, save your money! Who knows! Maybe there is a doubled die in the bunch.

Chris

 

that sounds like the best plan. Thanks. (And I like your optimism!)

 

Looking at ebay. The graded sets are selling for about the same price as the set in the box. Some of them would have to grade 70 for it to pay off.

 

Wexler lists just one doubled die for all years, and it just happens to be 2011.

http://doubleddie.com/2224958.html

Chris

 

If he opens it, doesn't that nullify the possibility of the first strike designation? Because, now he can't prove that the coins came in that package.

 

I'd leave as is but that's me.

 

Of course, it does! But, who cares! The First Strike designation is just a marketing ploy.

Chris

 

I agree 100%. I was just questioning the legitimacy of getting the designation once it's opened.

 

Thanks for all the input. I'm going to open up the box (once it arrives) and enjoy these brand new 8 year old coins!

 

I say leave it as is.

 

So I got the box today and opened it up. 3 of the coins were perfect but 2 had some discoloration:

 

No double die, but 2 of the coins are discolored:

 

Not discolored but starting to tone.

 

Isn't this a few years early to expect toning? I have ASEs from the first year (1986) on, and none have started to tone. Does this mean that the mint's packaging is not for long term storage?

 

It's silver and silver tones. The packaging probably had a small hole in it so air got to it. It's definitely toned on the edges.