Old Proof Set Questions

Are the early proof sets worth more in their original packaging, or would it be better to get them graded. I know someone with 36-39 in original packaging, and they would like your thoughts on getting them graded. I have one very bad pic of the coins. I know it would cost several hundred dollars to get all of these graded. Would it be worth it? Do any of the grading companies grade th whole set or just individual grades?

 

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Those are not the original packaging so I would highly recommend getting them graded. I'm not even sure the top 3 sets are proofs from that picture. (they very well could be but the pic makes some of the coins look like buisness strikes) I just sent in a couple of 1942's to NGC for grading and got some very nice grades back.

 

I agree with LD, obviously the bottom set is proof.

But, w/o closeups, no one can tell if it is worth it.

 

thanks for the info guys. I will let the person know. What makes you think the top 2 are not proofs and the bottom ones are proofs from the pics? I'm a newbie trying to learn. What company would you recommend, and is there anything available for a whole set, or would it have to be split up? I know these are some really valuable coins, so what is the safest way to submit them without a chance of them being lost in the mail or something like that?

 

They may very well all be proofs. The pictures just make the coins look funny. We can only tell for sure that the bottom set appears to be a proof. I personally like NGC but either NGC or PCGS is who I would recommend. NGC does have multi coin holders and I bet they would do a whole set but I think you have to call them to work that out. The safest way to get them there is to hand deliver them at a coin show. But if you send them insured the US postal service will insure packages up to $5,000 against loss. which is about what these sets are worth as is. If you need any help I am an NGC certified dealer and I can help you through the submission process. Just shoot me an PM.

 

It is common for the proofs not to have a cameo affect so it's difficult to tell from the photos.

Chances are that the coins are not worth the cost of the grading fees. I would leave them in the Capital holders they currently reside in. If you do send them for grading at least see if your local dealer can let you know if they are worth the cost of grading.

 

My opinion (and I'm sure I'm in the minority here)...just leave 'em in those capital holders. But then again, I'm mainly a "raw guy".

 

Actually now it's a 50/50 split on opinions.

 

36-39 proof sets are worth crazy money. Graded 36-39 proof sets would be even crazier money.

 

If you do send them in for grading don't send them insured, send them Registered at the proper declared value. It's a little slower but it is safer, you can protect them up to $25,000 which would allow you to send them all in the same package, and it will cost LESS than sending them insured. (Once the declared value of a package exceeds seven or eight hundred dollars it is actually cheaper to send it Registered. The insurance rates on Registered packages are MUCH lower because the shipping method is so much safer.

 

It just depends on how nice the coins are. One of my 1942 Halves came back in an NGC PF66* holder and I sold it immediately for just a tad less that I paid for the entire set. If I owned them and they weren't messed with I'd send em in. A couple of points makes a big difference on the halves, merc dimes, and the buffalo nickels as far as price is concerned.

 

Jezzzz those old cases were hard on those babies. They do not look proof to me, perhaps just nice mint sets of the day. Just my amateur opine. Traci

 

Traci, that ain't old time packaging. You would be appalled to see the "old time" packaging...:smile

 

I'm not sure I have ever even seen an image of the original packaging.
If someone has an image please post it.

 

Larry, scroll down in the thread below for images (and give them time to open) of a 1936 Proof Set in its original packaging. http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=658514&STARTPAGE=1

 

Thanks, Doug and Mark.

 

That's the way my 1938 set came, stapled in cellophane envelopes inside a fiber re-enforced paper envelope. No box. Purchased from the man who bought it from the mint in 1938.