Would like to hear opinions on how much early U.S. proof sets (1936 -1942) are increased in value if they are in the original mint cardboard box and tissue wrapping, assuming coins are same grade as in a Capital plastic proof holder? I have several sets in each of these years, some in boxes, some invidually slabbed by PCGS, and some in Capital holders. If a set in a box has coins that appear to be in very high condition would it be wise to send the coins in to PCGS to have each certified? RD4
They will grade what ever they are. Certainly there would be a premium for original packaging, specially from collectors that desire such. The proof sets you say you have are quite valuable and should be handled by those who know what they are doing. Overall, the market and economy will prove their selling value. If I where you I would hold on to them after making sure they are currently preserved correctly. Take your time and research, or better, learn about what you have. Education is the key to "not" making mistake you "would" regret later. I would love to have a set of 36-42 proofs. I love proof coins and collect them seriously. Good luck to you and your quest with these coins. Allen
Welcome to CT , I just bought a '53 proof set in the original packing , I didn't want any that were in capital holders , or in slabs , I'm sure a lot of peeps feel like me , also the advice that Walterallen gave is very good , do some research as you are talking $1000s of dollars and some pretty low mintage sets that deserve the best . Intercept Shield sells storage boxes big enough to put several proof sets in along with some siticcants , the IS boxes are the best to prevent any further contamination . rzage
thanks This is very useful information/advice - thanks guys! I have a number of sets between 36 - 42, and one of them, a boxed 1938 has gorgeous coins except for the half which has several parallel scratches just above "In God We Trust" (see below). So the question I'm pondering is: with this one, because of the flawed half, maybe break it up and send each in to PCGS. The other coins could grade as high as 66 which would then bring the net total value higher than a set. RD4
Given the scratches on that coin I suspect you have a made up set, not a genuine set. Somebody took the old packaging, probably from a different year entirely, and inserted coins into it to make them worth more. When I collected US coins I searched for many, many years trying to find original '36-'42 sets. Only once did I ever find even 1 original set - and it was suspect. Be vary wary of sets for these years, it is even specualted that no full sets for these years even exist.
Made up set? GDJMSP - When you say made up set, I understand that's true of those in Capital or other aftermarket holders, but are you saying you see a lot of "original Mint boxes with tissue where the are made up as well? People would actually unstaple the celophane, change coins, and then replace staple in same holes so as not to detect the switch???? RD4
My '53 set has such brittle plastic that it cracked very evenly where it is bent over , someone could easily take out the 1/2 and change it , if this happens in a '53 , imagine how brittle the '36 - '42 sets are . rzage
