Hey all. I'm a newbie to the forums and this is my first post. So, I just aquired a mint sealed bag of 2004 keelboat nickels from the Denver mint and I'm wondering if there might be any use or value in opening the bag and searching for anything special. I'm just looking for opinions here. What would you do if you had a bag of 500 nickels in BU condition, straight from a mint bag?
Welcome to the forum, you'll get some expert opinions soon, we have some sharp Jefferson folks who hang out here.
I'm not sure if there are any varieties for that issue but there could be some error in the bag. Then again there may be none. I think I would leave the bag intact. (You can always open it later but once you have opened it it isno longer "Mint-sewn".) On a side note, there was an article in Coin World about a dealer that bought a cloth bag of 298 1883 No Cent Liberty Nickels at an auction in New England. The coins were all uncirculated and had reportedly been in the bag over 100 years (I'm guessing 125 years). Cool stuff.
I'd leave the bag intact. There really are no known errors that would make it worth breaking the bag. I have mint rolls and bank rolls of buffalo's I am keeping unopened, even though there are the detached leg and speared varieties, as neither is yet listed in red book. Just my opinion!
There are no major variety discoveries to the Keelboat issue reported. I think left unopened would be your best bet. Welcome to the forum.
I do not think the 2004 or 2005 nickels will appreciate in value for a couple reasons. 1. High mintage 2. New designs caused many to speculate hoard and hold. See this happen over and over in the hobby, prices may spike high but then drop. (1950D nickel, 1976 Bicentennial series are a few examples) I believe if he leaves them in the bag He has the best chance of getting near what the mint sold them.
There is the chance that your bag could contain errors, like off-center, or double-struck pieces, but the chance of this is pretty low. Personally, I'd probably leave it sealed. Then, make sure it's stored properly (away from excessive humidity, etc.)
Thanks for the input guys. I have an itch to open it, so I could sell the coins individually, and maybe see if there are a few worth slabbing with NGC or PCGS, then maybe some others with ANACS. I'll let you guys know what I decide. I just wanted to get some input to see what the "pros" think.
