To add to the confusion about how the Sac Dollars influence the value of a US Proof Set is the concern about the condition of the Sac Dollars. I had to return several sets years ago as the Sac Dollar had brown spots on the obverse. These were brand-new sets and were supposedly checked by inspectors with white gloves. History Channel had a special about how less-than-perfect coins are not used in proof sets and are discarded. This is rubbish! Supposedly, all dust particles are blown-out,too. I have seen numerous US proof sets with dust particles, even hair, as well as nicks and scratches on new sets I've ordered through the years. Would a proof set with a spotted Sac Dollar lose value? Who would want to look at that?
I've seen these listed on eBay as "error" proof sets. Sellers were trying to get a premium for them but as far as I could tell, they went unsold. No way I'd buy a set of spotted proof sets.
I ordered 5 - 2006 unc sets from the mint and all the Sacs in these sets have spots. I am doubtful the mint can send me 5 unspotted sets. I figure it is just part of the problem in doing business with the mint. Jim
2006 Silver Proofs This year we ordered 2 2006 Silver Proof Sets. Amazingly, the coins are not bad, no spots or scratches for once, but on 1 set, the plastic case was badly scratched. Since the scratches and abrasions were not where the coins were, I decided to keep the set. In the past, the plastic case was actually cracked over the Kennedy and Dollar's reverse. I returned those. The inspection process, despite claims by the US Mint to the contrary, is a farce. They supposedly remove any scratched or blemished coin!
