So with the prices of the 2004 coin and medal sets climbing over $100 don't you think it might be a wise investment buying the 2005 set for around 50-60 dollars? Was the mintage in 2004 the same as 2005? Things that make you go hmmm?!?!?!
Really it could go either way. Look at what happened with 2001 Proof sets. They had the same approx mintage as 2002 or 2000 sets - but only the 2001 went up significantly. The very same thing may well happen with the medal sets.
I bought 2 of the 2005 coin and medal sets. I missed out on the 04's. I bought the 2 2005's to put in my 2 children's collections that I am putting together for them...its kind of a random hodgepodge of stuff that they can either save or sell when they are of age. (I am hoping they turn in to collectors, but you never know.) I got them directly from the mint for $19.99 or something like that. I wish I had bought the limit of 5. If I had you can bet at least 2 of them would be on ebay right now. I don't think I would pay $50 or $60 for them, but I will admit they are cool looking sets.
If you look at the completed sales on eBay, in one week the prices have dropped from the 60's to the 50's. They seem to heading south of that right now. I have one up there for sale that has been stuck in the 30's for days.
This is a perfect segue into what I've been thinking after comparing the 2004 and 2005 sets. I took the two sets and compared all of the components, including packaging, and after doing so I'm just waiting on someone to start selling repackaged 2005 sets as 2004's. Here are the similarities and differences: Different 2005 vs 2004 Sacagawea Proof dollar 2005 vs 2004 Proof nickels Outer slip cover that goes over the box (one says 2004 and the other says 2005) Certificate of Authenticity Same Box and felt-lined plastic insert to hold the coins/medal Westward Journey Medal Westward Journey "booklet" (a small shade of color difference) Yup, the medals are exactly identical in every way. So what would it take to buy a 2005 set, even at current street prices, and buy a 2004 Proof Sac dollar and the 2004 proof nickels and make a hefty profit. All you would need to do on eBay is offer it saying that you lost the outer slip cover and COA. Don't be surprised if you start seeing these being offered without that outer cover and COA 'cause that's the only limiting factors in changing a 2005 into a 2004. You might say that it's too much trouble to go through to get the Proof coins needed to do this swap-out but I'd bet that someone will try it (especially on eBay). You make $40 to $60 profit per set and sell enough of them, it starts adding up. If you get right down to it, that outer slip cover and COA are worth about $40 to $60 dollars. Sounds crazy, huh? Looking down the road, given the scenario above, if this starts happening in enough numbers you could see the actual number of 2004 sets "in the field" increasing over 25000 and the number of 2005's decreasing. Anyway, just something to ponder and watch out for.
Not so crazy, Tanner. If you thought of it, you can bet some crook did as well. I will bet you are correct, and we will be seeing 2004 "Sets" without the 2004 cover box.
I missed out on the 2004 also and purchased 2 2005 sets in hopes of selling/trading a 2005 for a 2004. But now Tanner 520 has given me a different path. I am not trying to resell the set, I would just like to have a "complete set" and for the purchase of a proof Sacagawea and two nickels, I would be home free. The fact that I don't have a COA or slipcover would not be improtant to me. Thanks Tanner.
Hmm... I have ten spare 2005 sets (friends ordered for me) and I am breaking up some 2005 proof sets to put the quarters in my albums. I was gonna save the rest of the proof coins in the plastic case, but perhaps I should use the nickels and dollar to make 2004 sets... Hey, I'd probably still be one of the most honest sellers on Ebay (No, ain't gonna do it)
