I saw an ad in the Parade magazine this weekend for "Pure .999 Fine Gold State Quarters" for 10 dollars-it's really 20 dollars including shipping and handling. The ad says that the 10 would usually sell for 130 dollars-but I don't think so. Anyways-is it a good buy, or should I steer away from it for now? It's the first 10 state quarters that are included in the order. What do you think? waterbed22
Your ,999 fine gold is really nothing more than electro-plate over clad. I don't think it worth the money. I don't think it 's worth anything at all except if you like it. Then it's worth whatever you are willing to pay.
Simple answer. NO!!! STEER AWAY! Read the fine print and you will find these are just common circulated coins that have been gold plated. There is no record of the US Mint ever making solid gold state quarters. Numismatically, plated coins are damaged coins and so not worth much. If you think the coins are nice and want to collect them, by all means collect what you like, and enjoy, its the heart of the hobby. If so, check out ebay and you'll find better prices. If your looking at a potential "investment" this ones a losing proposition.
it says they're uncirculated in the ad- but I'll read the fine print-I'm sure I'll find answer there. Thanks a ton- waterbed22
Can you say "Scam"? The ad undoubtedly mentions "## mil" somewhere, relying on the fact that the vast majority of people don't realize that this refers to the thickness of the gold plating, in 1,000ths of an inch. (1mm is approximately 40 mils!) The plating is molecules thick, and the bullion value of all the gold in the whole set is worth a fraction of 1¢.
The same is true for the Platinum-plated quarters, such as those sold on HSN. I find it interesting to watch all the overpriced coins sold there, and the outrageous sales pitches blended with just enough facts to sound credible.
Most of the companies selling these tings have also redefined what a mil is. As Roy said, a mil is 1/1000th of an inch. But these companies are using it as an abbrieviation for a millionth of an inch. 1/1,000,000 of an inch. So their 100 mil plating is actually only 1/10,000th of an inch or .1 mil thick.
