When to bust up a mint set?

Is it sacrilegious to bust up a mint set to fill some holes in your albums? I'm sure it depends on the mint set and maybe even the overall grade of the set. The set in question here is my 70 small date. I would also inherit a better 70D Kennedy than I currently have, which is adding to the temptation. Or, since there are multiple desirable coins, am I better off keeping it as is? What would you do?

 

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I vote break the set up. First, you have good reason to break the set up (filling a hole in your album). Visually "completing" a collection within an album is very satisfying. Second, in my opinion, mint packaging holds no value. The way I think about it is that I collect coins not not "coins in mint packaging".

Ultimately, the choice is yours!

 

I like that response. I think I'm 51-49% and trying to decide which way to fall. But I didn't want to just jump in there and end up regretting it later.

 

ok, well I will go to the polar opposite side.

I would strongly say do not break up this set. The small date mint set sells for a substantial premium over the regular 1970 mint set. Once it is broken up, the premium is now dependent on the condition of the cent and therefore could be diminished merely by breaking it up.

If you want the coins for albums, buy loose ones.

 

If you are that close in your decision you might want to try a coin flip or simply keep it intact until you are more sure of the decision. Once you break it up there is no going back. TC

 

A '70 small date Mint set probably deserves to remain intact.
I agree with mikenoodle in this case.
But with non-special Mint sets, open them up if you want to fill holes in your album.
That way you KNOW the coins are Unc.

 

For many years I would buy Mint and Proof sets to break up and update my sets of cents through dollars. But I wouldn't break up a key/variety/error set just to get a common coin out of it, without having another mint/proof in hand. You can find proof/mint set singles and any coin show if you don't need all the coins for sets.

 

I think I would simply buy the coin you needed if thats within your budget. And Def not break up that mint set.

 

It always humorous to read about these dilemas.
I mean with all thats going on in the country at the momnet, consider yourself fortunate if this is your only worry.

Fill the holes and tell your loved ones that you love them.

 

As I see it the set is ultimately worth the combined value of all the coins in it. We may pass through a period that there is a set premium but until that time there's little point in keeping them intact. Even during the period that there is a set premium there will be a much larger premium for gems and probably a premium for choice coins so these later premiums won't be lost by cutting them.

If all the coins in a set are gem then cutting would be hard for me.

Collectors really should consider seeking out gems and choice coins for their collections and trying to save a nice choice set for a mint set collection. If this is too expensive then forego the mint set collection and just set aside surplus choice sets.

 

You really left out one important item. Your future with your coins. In many instances that is really important. If you plan on selling all your coins, some of them, some of them, none of them makes a difference in your plans for any Mint sets. In some instances a complete set is more valuable than separate coins. In other instances each coin is worth many times the complete set if sold separately.
For me I never sell any coins so breaking up any set means nothing for future values. I break them up for the individual coins for Albums. I never worry about ruining a sets value since if I don't sell them, what difference does it make. To me this is the same with Proof or Uncirculated sets. I always keep one or more completed sets anyway though and never know why. I dislike breaking up some of the newer sets since they contain so much junk I don't collect like those baby sized dollars. Those I just put in a 2x2 and then in a box.
So you should really decide on what the future is for your coins.

 

I have broken a few sets of my own.Got them bagged and graded now its worth more $$$$

 

I would typically only break a set if I had a duplicate.

 

A 1970 mint set is more than quite alright to bust up. If it was a 1963 or lower maybe it would be sacrilegious but the bottom line is you bought it and you can bust it up.

 

Anyone ever buy coins offers from The Publishers Clearing House host of sellers? If so, what was the outcome of your pruchases? For $15.00 just ordered two Kennedy 1/2 Dollars. Here's the ad, what do you think?

The Lost Kennedy Half Dollars - 2 Coins

Save 30%!

MSRP Of $22.95

Destined To Become The Most Sought After Coin In The Series!


2002 and 2003 Kennedy Half Dollars Not Released for Circulation! Two of the Rarest Dates of any Kennedy Half Dollars!
Not issued for circulation, these limited-edition 2002/2003 Kennedy Half Dollars are "lost" coins, destined to become some of the most sought-after in the series. A collector’s dream, these coins come to you in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
Case measures: 3-3/4" x 5-7/8". Coins not shown actual size. Mint marks may vary

 

This is one of the sets I wouldn't break up. Just imagine if you had a 1955 with the DDO! It might be the only one. The 1970 SD mint set is not that rare but scare none the less! I would buy the single and keep the set intact. Hope this helps.

If I find more than one in my 10 rolls I just won it's yours!!!

 

I personally collect mint sets, but really cannot blame anyone for filling holes by breaking up a set. It is a very economical way to get some nicer examples in your collection...plus if enough sets get broken up, maybe all those sets I stashed away will finally be worth something when I retire!

 

I havent had the experiance!!

 

For me cracking a set would be like throwing a rock through a church stained-glass window. However In this case You own the church so crack it. If you feel bad later, go to confession and buy a new one.

 

Unfortunatley sometimes you have to, To get the high grade stuff:computer: