I have several unopened boxes and envelopes that contain what I think are Proof sets. Return addresses are as follows: 1. US Assay Office Most of these are dark blue Numismatic Service boxes with a lighter blue 350 Duboce Avenue packaging tape around in both San Francisco, Calif. 94102 directions. A few are brown Official Business envelopes. 2. Bureau of the Mint 4 are blue boxes, 1 is brown, only 55 Mint Street 1 has the light blue packaging San Francisco, Ca. 94103 tape. 1 Brown envelope. 3. The Department of the Treasury US Assay Office Numismatic Service Blue box, no packaging tape. San Francisco, Calf. 64102 Do I open these? Or are they like to mint sets that still have sealed envelopes?
Hard to say for sure without seeing them. Is it possible for you to post a pic Georgia ? The reason I ask this is for a couple of reasons. #1 is the ZIP code - ZIP codes did not come into use until the mid 60's. So that leads me to believe that you have some of the more modern sets. But those addresses do not ring a bell - could be wrong about that though. I'd also have to say if they are Mint products that they are Proof sets as no Mint sets were struck in SF during those years. And personally I've never seen the type of boxes you describe - that's why I'd like to see a pic of one. And if you can - please describe the size of the box.
One other thought. Proof sets were made in Philly. Presentation sets were made at a few branch mints. Before opening the sets, post a good close up photo. Try to include the post mark. If there is a date in the post mark that would help. While it is true that dealers and collectors will pay extra for mint sealed sets, an early proof set will be very marketable regardless of packaging. If the package does need to be opened, please do not open the cellophane that contains the coins.
I should add that all proof sets were made in Philly until 1968. After this year it was primarily San Francisco and West Point.
You mean that proof sets were made in Philly untill 1964, right? At least those that are dated 1964. No Proof sets for 1965, 1966 or 1967.
I knew that someone would call me on the SMS sets. I am really going to have to put down the specific answers. Kudos sir!
I really didn't mean it to sound as if I were correcting you. I was sure you were aware of the SMS's, but perhaps had made a misprint as I often do.
No offense taken, and yes, I had left it out on purpose. Often I try to make things as simple as possible. There are so many areas of confusion. But a few of you keep me on my toes. I really appreciate the banter.
IT looks like I got two of the same stack this AM, Please look at these two and let me know what you think. Are these also Proof Sets? Should I open them or not? As you can tell this is the same stack of boxes, a much better idea of what they look like and the address. If you desire more info I'll see what I can come up with. Sorry for being such a clutz this morning.
I am also assuming that the box with the lable contains 1966 Proof Sets. The only way to know for sure would be to open the box. The Proof Sets would still be considered "unopened" as long as you didn't open the individual envelopes. JMO
I have to agree with the previous comments regarding what the sets are and what the boxes likely contain. Now as to your question as to whether you should open them or not - that depends. Say you were to offer the sets for sale on ebay - unopened sets can and do sometimes bring a premium over opened sets. This is because of the gamble involved - some folks are willing to take the chance that the sets may contain GEM coins. The potential downside to you of selling unopened sets is for the same reason. If one or more of the sets does contain GEM quality coins or coins with a strong cameo - you could be passing up a substantial premium. For Proof coins with a strong cameo can sometimes sell for hundreds of dollars - each. Now the odds are high that the sets do not contain such coins. It is likely the sets contain ordinary Proof sets that sell for $15 0r $20 each - perhaps less. So only you can decide what to do. Do you gamble - or not ?
Actually I think the first 3 images look like MINT set containers, not proof sets. The boxes dated 1966 are Special Mint Sets, no doubt about it. I've owned boxes like that several times over the years.
tradernick - Look at the dates of the postmarks - they are all in the '70s. If they were Mint sets - why were they shipped from the S mint ? They didn't make anything there but Proof coins in those years.
So it sounds like my best bet is to take these to a local (lol) coin dealer or show and see what they say?
Georgia, I would suggest that you have a dealer or very seasoned collector open and view the coins inside. While they will bring a small premium for unopened on the market, why let someone else have the opportunity to find a special coin. If you email me, I will give you a few names of dealers close to you. Just remember not to take any initial offer that they make. Most dealers will charge a small fee for appraisals, so call and ask about this before showing up at their shop. Our moderator is correct in that more than likely, these sets do not carry a premium coin, but I would make sure before the sale.
I'm pretty sure the brown (manila) envelope shown in the first photos contains mint sets. I say that because I think I've bought old groups of mint sets in envelopes like that before. The second batch shown in the photos are SMS. They are dated 1966. I had some of these just last year. Frankly, I don't see any reason not to open these. That's the only way you can ASSURE the buyer of what they're getting. Open the envelope on one end. Open one flap of the boxes...do just enough so you can be confident of the contents. Remove the fear of the unknown and keep the originality.
Georgia, first of all I am a baby when it comes to coin collecting, but one thing I have learned about collecting anything is BUY THE BOOK FIRST. In your case "United States Proof Sets and Mint Sets" by Ron Guth and Bill Gale. Money well spent and you can read it in about an hour. Another thing I know about collecting things is if it's in the original box, it's worth more, sometimes the box is worth more than the item. But with coins you really don't know until you open the box. There are a lot of shisters out there who would think nothing of faking an unopened box. Just my opinion, but go ahead and open them. Personally, I would not buy an unopened box, crooks are everywhere. I remember as a youth on Maxwell Street in Chicago I bought a bottle of Canoe Cologne in an unopend, cellophaned box, guess what? it was water. Most collectibles originality is key and coins are no exception. Keep the boxes for sure, but open them. JMHO
