In a thread entitled "White Spots on Silver Eagle," GDJMSP wrote: "[E]ven if you buy these coins [ASEs] in a Mint tube - that is no guarantee that the tubes were not opened and searched. There are a great many dealers and collectors alike who know that business strike ASE's when submitted to the grading companies and are returned with MS69 or MS70 grades sell for substantial premiums. Because of this - a tube, or roll, of BU ASE's may have been searched and picked over many times before it ends up in your hands. And it is not uncommon for some less scrupulous people to make up rolls of these coins that are of the worst quality." I bought my first 20 ASEs last weekend, of course before reading GDJMSP's caution. The coins were in a Mint tube, but I was unsure whether to scrutinize them there in the shop. I didn't know whether it is important to the value of the coins that they remain undisturbed in the tube. In light of GDJMSP's comments, it appears possible (if not likely?) that they have already been looked through. Is it appropriate/wise to open it and check that all the coins are in good condition at the shop, or will that just be risking (further) wear and tear? Now that I've got the roll at home, can I / should I open and look through, or again, is that just inviting wear and tear? If I should check them at the store, should I just dive in, or is it better to ask the dealer to show them to me? Is this annoying/insulting to a dealer? Also, does anyone have advice on taking the stack of coins out of tube and putting them back in without scratching them or otherwise messing them up? Finally, is the Mint tube ok for long-term storage, or does it have PVC or other chemicals that will harm coins? If the Mint tube is not appropriate, any recommendations on containers for long-term storage (not for display)? Thanks in advance for your help! Dymaxion
Howdy Dymaxion22 - Welcome to the Forum !! Ya know the very first time I ever bought a roll of ASEs I asked myself those same questions. Know how I answered it ? Well like this. I asked myself what the dealer would do if I was selling the coins to him. What do you think he'd do ? Do you think he'd just take the roll and not look at the coins - or do you think he'd dump them all out to make sure what they all were ? Well I know what my answer was. What's your's ? And if he get's mad at you for checking the coins - ask him the same question I posed above I'll put it like this - removing the coins is always a risk - just be careful. Anytime you handle coins or take them out of one package and place them into another - the risk is there. But it can be minimized with care. What you really need to ask yourself is what is your goal for these coins ? Did you purchase them for silver bullion or do you hope to sell them individually down the road ? Or do you intend to give them as gifts possibly ? Your answer will determine what you should do. To the best of my knowledge the mint's tube is fine for long term storage. And like the question above - your answer determines what to do. If you want the coiuns as individuals - I prefer AirTites
Here is a simple answer. ASK. 99% of dealers do not mind if asked. GDJMSP is right. We dealers buy coins not tubes. So each and every coin is inspected. Why should the customer not have the same right? We all have felt trays or pads laying around the shop or office. The dealer should allow you to open the tube, or they will do it themselves. Do not be afraid to ask your dealer anything. This is your hard earned money. Most will be more than happy to help.
