1956 Proof Set in a Box

So I have a 1954 and 1955 Proof Set in a Box - both unopened. What do y'all say, do I open them or keep them sealed? I paid between 200-300 for these each. If I overpaid, let me know. And if I did, well I consider it "tuition costs" for my education. At least I knew enough to not bid on a fake 1956! I'm confident these are legit so there could be higher grade or even cameo coins that could make an unmasking very profitable. Or, they could all be toned so-so coins worth less collectively than I paid. Or, do I maintain some value through the mystery of what they could be? What would you do? What have others discovered opening sealed proof set boxes? Looking forward to hearing what you think and your stories. Thanks and have a fabulous weekend!

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Given the value of most of those Proof sets, it would hardly be worthwhile for the counterfeiter.

 

Belatedly (out of town..no remote Internet), when saying/declaring "fake" we're referring to just the box and cells...not the coins. Coins appear genuine, proof, etc. I've not ever been aware or heard/seen mention of a boxed '56 set...just the flat pak. But someone said if 56 was in cello...the individual cells in OGP flat-pak cello like up through 64, would be fake...not correct...have several OGP 56 flat-pak sets in the flat-pak cello and quite genuine. Maybe he meant in the stapled plastic "cells"...? If so, agree...no 56 in those.

 

Mac, I think you are correct. A 56 Proof Set in a box deemed a "fake" likely has legit coins taken from a flat pack but the box and cello re-packaging are not. I collect original packaging proof and mint sets. It might be an esoteric corner of the hobby but a good specimen in my collection includes something of a balance between quality (and toning) of the coins and the quality and "intactness" of the packaging. Maybe there aren't many people interested in OGP sets but for me, a faked package is no different than a counterfeit coin.

 

I hear ya, but I'm not entirely sure it isn't profitable for someone to fake these. The treasure hunting FOMO mentality of finding one of the few sealed proof sets left with a bunch of 67+ coins and or cameos might trick people into bidding them up. See this video:

A crafty scammer would be able find cheap original boxes from previously separated sets and turn a $50 Flat Pack or an already cherry picked collection of coins into a quick $200-300 sale.

 

How do you make any money? If you don't put Proof coins in the fake holders, the only people you are going to fool are totally ignorant. If you put impaired Proof coins, you get the same thing. I look at the Grey Sheet and I see Proof set prices that range from $3.75 to $8.75 for the "dead years." Sure if you fake "No S" sets and the like, there is money to be made. But for most of sets, that are available, the upside is zero.

It takes time to put this fake stuff together, and there is cost to making the fake holders. If time for you is like a prisoner banging the edge of coin with a spoon, to create a "no reeding quarter, maybe I can see it. But if you want to make $10 an hour, I don't see the advantage.

 

Thanks for the reference. Nice sight to further your knowledge

 

My mistake.

 

How were they shipped. My ma stored them in a Meriel cigar box.

 

Back in the 1060's early 1970's these 'sealed' proof sets were all the rage.

That is until someone opened a box and found that they were filled with metal . washers. That ended that trend, quickly.

 

That's my birth year.That price blows me away. If I could have talked, I would have told my folks to pick up a few........hundred!