In any other collecting type hobby, packaging is as important as the product itself. Sometimes more. Beanie babies MUST have the tag on it, and the tag can't be bent. Hot Wheels, action figures, Starting Line-ups MUST not be opened, and the cardboard backing can't be bent. Barbies MUST never be opened. The boxes old toys come in are more expensive than the toys. Do coins in their original packaging from the mint demand a higher premium? Does the condition of the packaging make a difference? Here's an example-- I have five 1971 silver Ike dollars. The coins look exactly the same. One is still sealed in the blue envelope it came in. The envelope show it's age, but it still looks good. Two is exactly like one, except the blue envelope has been opened. The coin is sealed in the cellophane with the blue token and all the paperwork. Three is just the coin and token, still sealed in the cellophane. No blue envelope. Four is a loose coin and a loose blue token. Five is just the coin. Is any of these examples worth more than the others?
In most cases, original mint (or government) packaging demands a premium in the marketplace but this premium varies widely based on the coin or set you are talking about. The answer to your specific question (Blue Ike example) really depends on what the person is looking for. Some people have to have original mint (or government) packaging and will pay the premium for it. Others simply want the coin (or coins). It is really a matter of preference. Personally, I buy the coin and not the packaging but if I can get the packaging without adding to the cost (or too much to the cost) then I might go for it. TC
Packaging CAN make a difference. If the quality is the same coins in Redfield holders, GSA holders, some of the proof set types, the early commemorative halves, all tend to be worth more in the holder than just the coin by itself. In some other cases the packaging doesn't mean squat.
If it's official mint packaging, I'm more than happy to pay extra for it. Of course there are collectors who don't care and break them apart, decreasing the number of mint sets out in the market, making them much harder to find and expensive at the same time.
If I get a coin slabbed I normally sell the original packaging seperate from the coin to help profits out. Normally to recoup loss profit due to EBay fees. But I sell 30-40 coins a year and just do it as a hobby. Coins such as Eagles and Comm.
Well the GSA morgans do get more when in Original Packaging but Ikes don't seem to. But I think the Ike's later on will get a premium.
