Ok so Ive decided to start adding these to my collection. Ive decided to start in the 80s since they seem pretty affordable (about 5 or 6 bucks) and move my way up to the present and once im caught up to start going backwards. I recieved my first 80s yesterday and they appear pretty tamper proof (unlike proof sets today that can be cherry picked) Is there any way for someone to open these bubbly type sheets and swap out coins? If so what should I be looking for? What year did they switch to the present day presentation of unc mint sets? What paperwork was originally inside these envelopes? The one I just recieved has a specifications chart and a facts about your set sheet. Thanks in advance!
Those bubble-like sealed cellophane sets are pretty tamper-proof (someone won't swap a coin without you noticing), but you do need to take a look at the coins. Not only did the mint send out some disappointing quality in those mint sets, but they often tarnished over time (especially the old silver ones -- they can get a cloudy haze that's really unattractive). So if you have the option, you definitely want to look at them instead of buying sight unseen. (Kinda like buying a carton of eggs, just take a look inside to make sure everything's ok.) By the way, I've also seen third-party sets like the mint sets, similar envelope and bubble-like cellophane, so watch for that. I know that didn't really answer many of your questions, sorry
Oh, Thanks for the tip, Ill be careful, didnt know about that. Thanks again, probably saved me a headache somewhere along the way. Edit: If they have the P/D token they should be pretty safe right? And as long as the envelope says united states mint?
On the third-part sets, they are labeled on the envelope as being something else (can't remember the names, but they're generic "American Coin" things like that).
2009 I believe when they added all the copper cents. I'm fairly sure that's when they started using the semi rigid blister pack holder. Quite probably, but of course once you take them out and dip them you don't have a Mint Set any more. I don't collect Mint Sets so I am not sure about what the paperwork in them was like but I do know it was very simple up to at least 1986. The Mint did not start putting COA's in any of their sets until that year and it was a year or two before they had COA's for everything.
Good luck! Sounds like fun. I've considered collecting mint sets myself, from my date of birth (1981) and up. Generally, yes, mint sets are tamper evident. Sets from 1980 and 1981 are presented the same as most of the 1970s sets, which have no paperwork. They also come in the same large, white envelopes as the 1970s sets; there should be, however, two stiff poster board-type inserts to keep the coins propped up in the envelopes. Mint sets from 1984 and on do include certificates of authenticity. It was also in 1984 when the U.S. Mint began selling mint sets in envelopes with illustrations of graphical artwork, which very much represents the modern U.S. Mint packaging. As you may know, no official mint sets were made in 1982 or 1983, though many privately packaged sets do sell. Beware of unscrupulously packaged sets containing circulated coins in that case. Cellophane mint sets with red and blue color-coded strips (blue for Philadelphia, Red for Denver) started in 1959. You'll notice the hues of these strips got darker over the years. Over the last few years (2006 if memory serves), the U.S. Mint switched their mint set packaging to a folding portfolio; a blue one for Philly and red for Denver. If you have a chance to choose, always select unspotted coins. Certain years were better than others. My 1981 mint set presents a lightly colored Philadelphia cent; apparently the U.S. Mint rinsed some of the cent planchets with a chemical that made certain one cent coins lighter in color. Please tell us how your project is coming along! :thumb:
Born 1981 myself! Just ordered 3 more of the bay, got the 85, 86, and 88. Currently have the 87. Got those three for a little over 15 with shipping. I think they may be missing some of the inserts in 2 of them but I can pick those up for a couple bucks. I asked one of the ebayers selling mint set packaging and heres what he replied came in the 85, 86, and 88: "1986 is the FACT Info,the other is Specifications 1985 has the the coin history & 1985 coin set specs, 1988,History info, & Re-Order Form" Didnt know they didnt make mint sets in 82 or 83, thats a bummer. Thanks again for all the info.
I was on eBay a few minutes ago and happened upon this auction: two authentic 1982 souvenir sets, P and D. These are the sets I was talking about, Antiquity -- the souvenir sets. These are the only officially produced packages of U.S. uncirculated coin sets from 1982 and '83. If you're going to buy any from these years, these are the kinds you'll want to purchase: http://cgi.ebay.com/1982-US-MINT-P-...em&pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item1c14435f8f (no, these are NOT mine! I just happened upon these while window shopping!!) If you buy the privately minted sets, you do risk buying worn coins, unless you are pretty confident you can spot any traces of wear/rub on the high points.
ahhh, thanks, I like those, kinda pricey. Might check my local coin store and see if he has any. Thanks for showing them too me though, much appreciated.
They are kind of pricey because they were hard to get. They didn't sell them by mail, you had to buy them AT the souvenir shop in the Mint and the Philadelphia mint only had the Philadelphia set, the Denver Mint only had the Denver set. The number produced was low, they were troublesome to get, and most people didn't even know they existed. Knowledge is power though, I've managed to buy several of the sets in my local coin club auction for $5 or $6 a set because no one else knows what they are.
