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Message:: [QUOTE="cpm9ball, post: 892470, member: 24633"]berneck1, If what I have said has made you or someone else stop and think about what they are saying and/or doing, then the sum total of my feeble existence has been worthwhile. Honestly, I wasn't trying to single you out to make fun of you or berate you, but let's examine what you said. In your last post, you spoke of "making a better investment". So far, you haven't said anything about having a passion for numismatics. If it is just an investment you are looking to acquire, then most veteran dealers will tell you that you are in the wrong field. You can make much more money investing in real estate. If your desire is to acquire precious metals as an investment, then forget about collecting specialty coins like the silver states quarters. You'd be better off buying bullion where there is no premium attached for "collectibility". In your first post, you mentioned acquiring coins that would hold their value based on grade, i.e., 69's vs. 70's. Okay, let's examine the States Quarters Program from it's inception.  First, there is no question that the SQ Program created a frenzy in the numismatic world, and encouraged millions of new collectors to enter the arena. Some of these new collectors got on board a little too late, and the "feeding frenzy" that ensued drove prices for the early issues to artifical highs. This frenzy continued for several years, and served to support higher values for coins graded PF70. You also have to keep in mind that the Mint didn't start selling individual sets of the Silver Proof SQ's until 2004 or 2005 (can't remember which). If you wanted just the quarters prior to this, you had to buy the entire set. Now that the program has ended, these artificiallly high values have dropped considerably, and in some cases as much as 60%-80%. Anyone who bought these coins during the feeding frenzy will lose a huge amount if they ever decide to sell. Will these "moderns" hold their value in the future? Probably not unless the price of silver skyrockets. There were approximately 65 million silver proof SQ's struck during the program, and it is safe to say that 15% were graded PF70, and yes, PCGS graded just as many 70's as NGC! That means that there are nearly 10 million PF70's on the market. How can anyone believe that these coins will hold their value, and give you a profitable return 10, 25 or 50 years down the road based on nothing more than collectibility? Furthermore, if you look at the modern proof sets going all the way back to 1968, you will find only a small handful that have maintained high values, and that is only because of specific varieties, like the "No S" coins. As far as overall collectibility is concerned, you can buy nearly all of these sets for less than they originally cost, and that is a 40+ year track record that is hard to ignore where your "investment" dollars are concerned. Yes, I can look at a raw, proof modern and tell you if it will grade 69 or 70 because I have looked at thousands upon thousands of them in-hand in both grades, and I've learned what both NGC & PCGS look for to substantiate it. Many collectors, particularly newcomers, can't tell the difference. So, why should you spend the added premium for a 70? You would be able to buy 5 or more 69's for the cost of one 70. If you have resentment for my comments because I shot down your idea, then at least I have achieved one thing. It has opened your eyes to the possibility that maybe this is not such a good idea. Just think of me as your "friendly" Drill Instructor at Parris Island. Sometimes, there is a method to my madness. Have a great day! Chris[/QUOTE]

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