What premium should apply to an original set such as this set that recently was sold on the LA ANA B+M auction? Auction description:This is an impressive set that is unquestionably original. The coins are graded and individually encapsulated by NGC in consecutively numbered holders: 3184297-001 through 3184297-006. Included are:1898 Indian Cent. Proof-65 RB (NGC). Predominantly reddish-orange in color, we note only minimal toning in an iridescent lavender-copper shade. 1898 Liberty Nickel. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC). Untoned with sharp field-to-device contrast. NGC Census: 22; 20 finer as Cameo. 1898 Barber Dime. Proof-65 * Cameo (NGC). NGC Census: just 1; 3 finer. 1898 Barber Quarter. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC). 1898 Barber Half Dollar. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC). 1898 Morgan Silver Dollar. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC). The silver pieces are all very similar in appearance with generally brilliant surfaces and light-to-moderate toning here and there around the peripheries. All examples are well matched with strong eye appeal. (Total: 6 coins) I
Really nice looking coins, and probably a lot more impressive in hand. In general groups of coins cost less than each coin bought individually. BUT I don't know if that applies in this case. Someone took time and care in putting it together. Probably not easy to do, but then I don't know the proof market.
Wrong! An original set was not "put together" but rather remained together since the year of mintage. As such, is worth much of a premium?
I woul suppose if the coins have a pedigree, they might command a small premium as some do. Very nice cameos, and that is certainly a set to take pride in!:hail:
I don't really think that as a set the coins should command any more premium except for perhaps the opportunity to purchase them all at once rather than spread out over weeks, months, or years of searching to put together a set. So yes, a premium of conveinience which can only really be up to the individual buyer.
I must be missing something, please explain. Yes, it's possible that it was sold by the mint as a set. But that is not only unlikely but pretty hard to prove without a pedigree that goes back to the original sale. I know of very, very few cases where that can be done with any of the pre 1950 Proof sets. About the only ones are the few known presentation sets that come complete with the presentation box similar to this one pictured below. Virtually all of the early Proof sets are "put together" sets. I think it more likely that the term original in the aution description is being used to indicate that the coins have not been dipped. But I would say that is questionable, at least based on the pics. Perhaps that is what Mike meant with his comment. As for a premium - I think it would be similar to most cases in that it would be cheaper to buy the set than it would to buy the coins 1 by 1.
You got it. The cent is the only one that looks anywhere near original, and that one is even doubtful, IMO.
I can't imagine paying a premium for an "original" early proof set unless there was documentation or other evidence that it really was an "original" set that had been together since minting. Otherwise, I think it's worth about the same as the coins if sold separately. But for something like this 1914 proof set w/ original government packaging that was posted over on the CU forum, it's definitely worth a premium!!! http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=475277 Wow, what an awesome set!!!
Generally speaking, sets of that era bring a premium IF the coins have original looking toning AND, based on similarities of the coloration, they appear to have resided together since the time of issue.
Generally speaking, sets of that era bring a premium IF the coins have original looking toning AND, based on similarities of the coloration, they appear to have resided together since the time of issue. Edited to Add: I do not think that the set in question is worth much, if any of a premium.
Thanks for posting that :thumb: Stuff like that should be saved to one's personal files for future reference. That's how you learn.
