I have a framed set of coins that I got from my grandmother. I'm wondering if I should keep them in the frame as a set or if I should take them out and put them in something else? Some of the coins are not in great shape and I'm not sure if it's more valuable as a set or not. I looked online to find something similar and a value if any but couldn't find anything. Any advice would help. Thanks!
I would say yes! It looks like some of the coins are taking on some toning. However, it looks like it's black
I'd say if you like it keep it framed. Why would you want the coins loose ? I have purchased 30 or so of those in the past few years,most of the pre 1964 coins are cleaned in some aspect & then they are also attached to the back paper with adhesive.
Nice looking set, at least what I can see of it! I had a buffalo nickel set, I thought it was a bit cool but I opened it up. Of course if I had your set I would leave it alone, just the way you got it from Grandma!!
I agree with Fretboard. I would keep it as is. To me the sentimental value would be much more than the value of the coins themselves.
Keep it in the frame. Leave it as it is. If you mess with it, you will lower its market value and destroy a memento left to you by your grandmother. Everyone has opiniions and the opinions here seem split. I don't know how to help you decide whose opinion to follow. If I trotted out my literary awards for writing about numismatics, someone would point to my mere 15 years in this hobby against their 30 and then toss in several of my published blunders. Let me offer these facts: Those "Coins of Patriotism" sets that came out in the Bicentennial Era -- many kinds; many ranges -- tended to use the most common coins and (as noted) to polish them so they looked nice and shiny, which actually ruins them. Your coins still show some of that gloss. Taking them out of the frame will not improve them. That said, this particular product seems pretty nice, a cut above the norm. It probably cost a lot when sold retail 40 years ago and the coin set is fairly complete. (Some discussion, perhaps, but it is nicely complete as a circulating coin set.) The toning (blackness) is not necessarily a detraction. Some collectors like toning. Some numismatists are "bibliophiles" book-lovers, and among their collectibles are these presentation sets. It is not a big part of the hobby, but it is mostly for the advanced and sophisticated collector. So, maybe 20 or 40 years from now, you might find the buyer you need. Or you can pass them on to your grandchildren. Overall, the generally best recommendation is always not to mess with something you don't understand. The literary phrase is "gilding the lily."
Back in the early 1970's, sets like this were heavily advertised in magazines and Sunday newspaper supplements. Something like "three easy payments of $49.95"; Here's one on eBay right now with a BIN price of $85.00: http://cgi.ebay.com/UNITED-STATES-C...44?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item41516b2a68
Thanks you everyone! I will keep it framed. I just started coin collecting and I wasn't sure if it would be better to keep the coins in something else since some are turning black. Also, the 1921 morgan also is kind of flat on 2 parts of the edges is that just damage from before they put it in the frame?
My kid bought one of those at a recent coin auction for a reasonable price. It didn't have as many coins, it was a smaller set, but the coins were not worth taking out of the frame. They appeared to be lacquered and glued. Probably best to leave them in the frame.
