I have a run of silver US Mint Sets from 1954 to 1964 in original packaging. The 1954 through 1958 sets are the double sets in paper/cardboard holders. As such most of the coins have toned. The cents still look red. The nickels run from untoned to a light golden brown. The silver coins run from light peripheral toning to a peppery spotting, mostly towards the rims. The 1959 through 1964 sets are the single sets in floppy cellophane(?) packaging. They appear to be generally untoned. Do they have more value as original sets as opposed to put-together sets in third party holders? Have silver US Mint sets been growing in value or are they rather static? In case you haven't figured it out I'm considering whether I should sell them and put the money elsewhere in my collections. Or keeping them because they are moving along in value. I'll have to make the same decision about my silver proof sets from the same timeframe.
Although there are of course exceptions, in most cases, unless the individual coins receive high grades, the sets are not worth breaking up and paying the fees to have them graded. Also, I don't see anything on the horizon that would cause such sets to show any appreciable increase or decrease in value. They are quite abundant, and it takes uncommonly high quality and/or beauty for them to bring any noticeable premiums. You don't sound particularly enamored with them, so why not sell them and use the money for something that will bring you more enjoyment?
As usual, I agree with Mr. Feld. I'd look very carefully at the coins and their condition, then lay that across the value of the coins in different grades to see if it makes sense to slab them. Chances are they won't be high enough grade/worth enough, and this requires a great deal of skill/experience to predict what the TPGs will grade the coins, but I wouldn't feel right letting them go as a group unslabbed without looking into this issue.
Good Question Kanga, and good answers thus far. I'll be watching as this thread develops as I have a similar issue.
I would keep them but if you want sell them. I would keep them as a set and not get them graded. The cost of grading will not work to your favor in most cases.
I have very much the same thing. Decided to start a Mint/unc album for each coin in the sets as some were worth more by themselves than as a set.
The 60-64 sets have not appreciated much in the past few years; however, the 54-59 sets in original holders have done well in comparison. I don't believe having them graded/slabbed will help, so if you decide sell them, sell them raw in the original mylar (it's not cellophane).
Me, as a collector who appreciates toned coins I would also say. You never know what a coin that keeps toning is going to look like once it started toning. If the toning is not so attractive at its "now" stages, then sell them. If it has eye appealing colors, luster, bands of rainbow etc.... then keep them. If you do sell them, you can always buy something you wanted for your other collectibles. :eating:
I think I'll leave the 54-58 sets in their original cardboard holders. I'll take pictures of them (I've got the cotton gloves so I can handle them). I'll leave the 59-64 sets in their mylar. Then I'll wait until November/December and list them for the Xmas season. I believe I have the slightly older sets too, but in Capital-type holders. And the silver proof sets too, 52-64. With luck that will earn the better part of a 1794 half cent in VF for my type set.
This is true, and I won't have mine slabbed. There are many people out there who have learned even the 54-59 mint coins that are in pristine condition are worth more out of the wrapper. There was just too many people who were sold a bill of goods on the mint issues. Many buyers had much more disposible income than today. Just check the recent posts on the new mint issues and who is buying.
