I slowly built up a collection between the ages of 8 and 16 (45 now) that was stolen. In it was a beautiful 1960 (my birth year) proof set - don't remember if it was the small date lincoln or not - but they were very cameo/frosted like. I would like to start replacing this to add to my newly acquired collection. Anyone have any suggestions as to where to begin my quest? I hope I put this in the proper thread, and as always thanks in advance.
I would start with either going to a dealer near you or on Ebay. If there is a show near you coming up go there...a 1960 Proof set shouldn't cost too much and should be found readly.... Speedy
Hello Desso and welcome to the forum...Speedy has provided you with a good foundation as where to search..be aware that the "frosted" or what is known as Cameo or Deep Cameo often if not all ways go for premium over normal proof coins. The 1960 proof set is not that expensive unless you go for the Deep Cameo versions in all denominations. With some investigation you will find that scarce dates like the 1950, 51 and 53 often go for several hundred dollars just for the Franklin alone...just remember.. buy what you like and buy the best that you can afford...that has always worked for me from an investment stand point. From the collection standpoint..always buy the coin that makes you saw Wow, what a beautiful coin! Happy Holidays.. RickeiB
Thanks for the help! I may go with a set that's still in the original unopened envelope from the mint. I'm mainly hoping for no toning, but I've always been in love with that beautiful frost over a deep mirror. Merry Christmas and don't shake your gifts!
Desso..the original envelopes are a yellow color due to the "sulphur" content of the paper. If you purchase an "unopened" set, there could be a pin hole in the original wrapping of the coins and over time 45 years now the sulpuhr gases will have had an effect on the coins surfaces...be wary of unopened set claims..many folks have searched these, made new envelopes and repackaged them..as mentioned the Cameos are valuable..proceed with caution..but proceed! RickieB
Yep--I should have said something about the CAMEO... I think I'm going to start looking for sets that have a good Franklin for my set...might be cheaper than just buying the Franklin Amen!!! I suggest that if you do you ONLY buy from a dealer that is well known and you can trust....I sure wouldn't go and buy one from these Ebay sellers that say that they are un-opened...they might be fake envelopes. Speedy
welcome to the forum desso also be aware of ebay sellers who say unopened mint sets. About 2 years ago I purchased a 1958 proof set from finderskeepersofomaha he pictured 5 sets in auction I belive I paid about $107.00 (at the time PCGS price guide listed 1958 mint set @ $37.00) much to my suprise when I recived 0ne set (not 5) that was steamed open and resealed !! Ebay and Squaretrade did nothing about this and the guy is still selling with 96 negs in last 12 months So becarfull of sellers saying unopened there are alot of honest sellers on Ebay but for every honest one there,s one scammer so check feedback before buying since your buying something sight unseen and based on sellers discription (who is trying to make as much $$$$ as possible) Good luck with some research & patience you can have a collection you will be proud of
Welcome aboard. Check out if there are any coin shows where you live or near you. Look on the internet for coin shows. If there are several of them, go to them for a while to get to know the dealers, their prices, availability of what you want. In some areas the local flea markets may have coin dealers. I would keep away from ebay if at all possible. To much like buying a car without even a test drive. There is always other web sites where there are coin dealers selling coins and if you ask here or on the PCGS web site for a dealers reliability, you may save more and get much better coins than on ebay or other such sites. Good luck in your quests.
