I would like to have a complete set of modern coins in their mint state. Is it customary to take the coins out of mint cellophane sets or do you do something else? I would like to put them in Dansco albums or such. What do you guys do or are their other recommendations? Thanks in advance. MMRR
I would leave them in the cellophane especially if there are no marks/scratches on them...at least that is what I do. Two reasons why, It helps from becoming in contact with the air as well as the coins arent touched by human hands (espcially the oils/dirt that is on them).
It's really a toss-up. The question is, what would you prefer? And you have already answered that. You would like them in an album. So, go ahead and release them from their cellophane "cages". The best would be to handle them with lintless cotton gloves. Second best is powder-free latex gloves (as long as you aren't allergic to latex). Third best would be to wash your hands thoroughly and handle the coins ONLY by their edges.
Looking into it I won't have a lot invested in the mint sets say from 64 to present so I could always rebuild if I decided to do so. Might change my mind, as I plan to collect all the sets before I start cutting them out. Thanks for the replies
I do both but sort of really hate the sets from the Mint. They take up room and are difficult to resell not that I would, but just not a great market for them. At coin shows I've always noticed that Uncirculated sets from the Mint are just not the popular item. Many dealers break them up and sell the separate coins for people to put into Albums. Every year I get some for Christmas presents for others and keep a few for myself. Over time this really builds up to a large pile of those things and they just sit in a box. As to Albums, I've got over 100 Whitman Albums and like those much better since you can just open them and see all what you want to see much easier. In the past I've taken Uncirculated sets apart for my Albums but now with all those other coins they added in, it is easier for me to just purchase the separate coins at coin shows.
IMHO, for post 1964 US Coins, I feel that there is a too low premium for the sets still in the cellophane to be worth keeping and storing. I have heard that keeping them in the cellophane may actually be detrimental to the coins depending on your environment. I personally have purchased many mint sets and have cut all of them up and place the better coins in albums, and the others in 2x2's for trade, sale, storage, etc. Of course I do have the full 1964-Present Proof sets still sealed. I guess it is really up to you as to what you like, and want.:goof:
Generally speaking the best quality and the lowest prices are attainable by breaking up the mint sets. Ideally you'll want to find coins that are nice as many coins in the mint sets are not attractive because of excessive marking. If you can sell or trade your duplicates you'll find that this is still very inexpensive. Some of the mint sets have huge premiums and you'll lose this premium if you cut the set. This applies to the '95 set and many of the post-'98 sets. You might want to look for these as singles. Many of the moderns don't appear in mint sets and these you'll have to buy as singles. This includes especially the '82 and '83 issues as well as the early Ikes and the '79-S dollar. Very few varieties appear in mint sets as well.
I have been collecting modern cents, nickels, dimes, quarters and halves since I was a kid and my collection is 100% broken mint sets for anything post 1959. (Minus the dreadful satin finishs) It is a cost effective way to get MS coins, just beware of post 1982 cents because I have seen more in the cello with black spots then without. Other than that you should be able to complete the clad portion of an album in no time for a low price and have high quality coins. I have seen alot of auctions on eBay where people are selling solid runs of sets for around $4-$5 a set +S/H which is reasonable in my opinion. The only hitch you are going to have is there were no Mint Sets issued in 1982 and 1983 which only leaves the souvenir sets from the actual Mint gift shops to fill those years and they generally go for upwards of $40 for ONE Mint depending on who is selling it. If you decide to break them open, WEAR GLOVES and make sure where ever you put that coin it stays there untouched for a very long time. My coins have been in Danscos since day 1 and most of them have their original luster, some (mainly Nickels) have toned a goldish/yellowish color.
Putting the coins in albums will damage them according to folks on this forum. I've heard that it is best to put them in 2X2 holders and then display them in the 2X2 album page holders.
If you don't collect mint sets like I do, go ahead and cut those babies up! I think mint sets are a very economical way to get mint state coins and maybe make a few bucks selling the ones you don't need. And if you are looking to get uncirculated coins such as the 1987 Kennedy half dollars, mint sets are the only way to do so.
I totally agree with MattJW and Quartertapper. This is exactly what I plan on doing to complete my folders. When I finish one I vacuumize it for posterity. If I want to really look at it I'll unseal and reseal it at a later date. You two read my mind. zeke
Bust 'em out!! I don't know about the albums doing damage except maybe for the slide scratches from some albums but I like using the 2x2's and then putting them into binders. I've been doing this for some time it's a great way to view the full sets easily or if you like to arrange them by denomination you can do whatever you like. :kewl: Don't worry about breaking up modern mint sets, there are, and will be plenty to go around for a very long time.
If you really want a complete set, keep in mind that many of the modern mint sets are satin finish coins, and therefore really are a different variety than business strike coins. For true completeness, you would want both varieties.
Perhaps you can help me. When did the mint start putting the satin finish on the uncirculated mint sets? Thanks. zeke
It took some time and money, but what I have done is to go back and purchase 2 of each proof and unc sets for each year. I keep one in their original package and I break one out for my books. Like i said, it will take some time and money to go back and get each set, but in the long run, I think you will be very happy with the final product.
Glad you told me that. I've been putting coins in Albums for as long as there has been Albums. Some from when I was a kid many, many, many years ago. So far every coin in every Album looks like it did when I put it there. And that is in over 100 of them.
Cut em if you want - I've cut up 10,000 of em no regrets! Cut em if you want - I've cut up 10,000 of em no regrets!
