Curious about the value of collecting uncirculated mint sets as opposed to proof sets. My father started collecting unc and proofs forty years ago and passed these on to me. I have continued to subscribe to the mint sets but stopped the uncirculated in 2006 (forty five years worth). I was thinking of trading with a reputable local dealer the unc. for the missing proof sets in my collection. Are the "buy" values in the the coin trade magazines a fair price to use as a trading base? I kind of view this collection as more of a "hoard" and would really like to get into some serious collecting of something more unique like Barbers or half cents.
Values of the Mint and Proof sets from 1956 to date is minimal, nor is it likely to increase any time soon. As for the values for the sets listed in magazines like Numisnmatic News, you'll never get that from a dealer. Those prices are what the dealer sells them for.
Welcome Dexter. Your proof and uncirculated pre-1964 still has a lot of silver upside to them - if you are a believer for upward spot silver. Good luck for what ever you do.
I agree with GDJMSP. I wouldn't buy unc or proof sets in the hopes that the value will increase any time in the near future. I just like collecting a set for each year. For the sets I don't have, but want to buy, I use the Greysheet, from Coin Dealer Newsletter. The prices on the Greysheet are pretty close to what most dealers are selling them for.
I agree with everyone here. Proof and mint sets were low for a few years, and recently have seemed to dip a bit more yet. Selling them now would not make you what you hope to. Holding onto them for the long run may be your best bet, or keep them as part of your collection. I started collecting mint and proof sets about four years back, and for me, these low prices have greatly worked to my advantage.
I decided to buy a collection of proof sets. It started out with a collection of sets from 57 to 64. Then I bought the 56 and then assembled all the others to the present from various sellers. I know they're not worth much and I'm really reluctant to spend money on those sets pre-56. I just wanted them for my own satisfaction. I was considering doing the same with the mint sets, but it really doesn't make sense when I can spend that money on more valuable purchases. But I do like having all the proofs for the modern coins.
Your set of mint proofs sounds real nice. I always thought it would be nice to have collection of Canadian proofs of the same years to set next to the US ones. I only have a few of the years (1961-1964 mostly). I bought for a good price this past year. Many of my silver proof silver dimes from the 1980's were cracked out and separated by another. I picked up rolls of silver Rossevelt dimes for a deal (near spot) - so with that in mind, there may be less proof sets in tack than what we might expect in the future.
Before you decide to sell or trade these sets, you should check for certain coins that might be worth more, individually, than the entire set depending on the grades. For example, the 1987 P&D Kennedy's were not produced for general circulation, so the only source for these was the Uncirculated Mint Set. The Special Mint Sets produced 1965-1967 replaced Proof Sets for those years, and there are a few varieties worth noting. Chris
I say collect what makes you happy. I never worry about what they are worth, or what they will be worth down the road. I'm not about to start collecting a series that does dot interest me, just because speculation says they are going to appreciate in the next couple years. Like I've said in a previous post, mint sets are extremely cheap right now. If you're thinking of starting a collection, now is a great time!
