Hey guys, I just bought a "lot" of proof sets. Various years, all clad. They seem to be culls. I mean a couple of the sets are OK, but the rest have problems and most likely something I will need to break apart at some point. The question I have is, one set has a perfect fingerprint on the obverse of the cent. Otherwise it's pristine. It looks to me as if a mint worker pressed the coin into the casing with a bare finger. I mean that's the only flaw I can see outside a few scratches on the case of course. but I was under the impression that proof coins had special handling and the mint workers wore gloves ? I guess we know differently now. lol What should I do with it ? I mean, label it as a "mint error" and use it for a conversation piece ? Toss it ? Honestly, I have never ever gotten another set messed up like that. Thanks, gary
What you are describing is pretty much typical when one buys a "lot" of Proof sets. Which is why I always recommend that purchasing lots be avoided.
Gary, Those cases are easily opened, and it isn't unusual for someone to remove one coin and replace it with another one of lesser quality. The person who would do something like this probably already has a criminal record, so send the coin to the attention of "Abbs" c/o NCIS. She can find anybody! Chris
The set is a 1976. The black plastic frame is intact and I don't think I can pop the plastic case out without breaking the frame. I can't see anything that tells me the plastic case was opened. I think you need to tear it apart to open it up ? I have a couple decent 76 S cents that I could replace it with. But as I said, I don't know how to open the case and save it. Still, I got in at less than 80c a coin for the several sets I got. 6-7 sets were OK. There were only 3 that I Was not very happy with. And one of those is because of the scratched case. And it was a decent mix of dates. 73 through 80. with a couple of duplicates. The mint sold the 76's for $7, so I beat that price. But I did get a bad coin. LOL Messing around with my wireless scanner, will try and get a pic as soon as my camera recharges. gary
I always worry about that when looking at proof or mint sets, especially online. Usually those I will get someplace where I can examine the holder somewhat....
