Whats the chances this is an original proof set or picked?

Its a very nice set but what are the chances of a set being completely prooflike. Especially one this old?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1899-USA-SILVER-CHOICE-CAMEO-PROOF-6-COIN-ORIGINAL-PROOF-SET-IN-CUSTOM-CASE/333088076086?hash=item4d8d98b136:g:Ic4AAOSwPjNccFPF

 

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It looks like a "put-together" set to me! ~ Chris

 

I would imagine the chances of it being picked are 100%, seeing as though the case those coins are in is absolutely not from 1899, let alone the fact that the U.S. Mint did not start selling "proof sets" as we know them today until the 20th century.

 

Sure is cool though! But 18000 is a high price. Probably only cost like $2000 to make.

 

Certainly, the mint started selling complete proof sets to the public in the mid 19th Century and are well represented in historic catalogs.
According to present Smithsonian consultant, Jeff Garrett:

"Starting in 1858 the US Mint sold Proof sets to collectors annually. The sets could be purchased in a variety of ways as the Mint sold minor coin sets, silver sets, and complete sets including gold. The coins were sold for a small premium over face value to cover the extra production costs of these special coins. Occasionally, an original Proof set will enter the market from the late 1850s or 1860s and include the original packaging and documentation. Some were housed in leather boxes, but I believe these were privately made outside of the Mint."

 

I stand corrected.

 

The images don't enlarge very well, but looks like (possibly) a lot of hairlines on the dollar and half obv.

 

More than likely, put together.

All of the silver coins have been dipped. Original sets have matched toning. No Proof coins of that age, which have not been stored in mint bags, like Morgan Dollars, would be all white. If that was a set that had original toning and some bozo dipped it, they need to go back to the circus.

 

I agree. It was assembled. Coins were dipped, and put in the holder. No way it is an original set.

 

I put it on a watch list just to see if it sells. Thank you @stairstars. I wasn't aware the mint sold proof sets prior to 1936.

 

The mint sold Proof sets in pieces. One Proof set had all of the base metal coins, cent, nickel and Nickel Three Cent Piece if there was one. Another set covered all of the silver coins, and “deluxe set” contained the gold. That’s the reason that the Barber silver Proof coins have identical mintage, for example.

 

Here is an example of the desirability of mint sold proof sets in the 19th Century and the various ways they could be ordered. Also note, how aware they were of the rarity such sets were prior to 1859:

 

It may very well be set of coins that was originally purchased together, or it may be coins that were bought in the 1950s and put in a custom holder. Looking at the coins, I have no reason to say one way or the other, as either is plausible, but it doesn't really matter. They all look to have been cleaned at the same time, as all the silver is blast white and looks hairlined. The price is stupid high for an uncertified set, though. He has them priced above 65CAM (65RD CAM for the cent) retail. I doubt anything that would actually grade would top PR63.

 

If you want to spend some time getting lost in old auction catalogs, go to the Newman Numismatic Portal (NNP). 285 auction companies represented, going back well into the 1800s, some famous, some obscure. Most with bidder notes written in. I just took a peek at an 1880 sale cataloged by Chapman. It included a 9 piece 1878 proof set, "including Bland and Trade dollars, and 20-cent piece" and sold for $9 -- almost 3x face value for a modern set! A word of warning, however, is that time can get away from you fast this way. If you like puzzles, you can even try to string together provenances of high-powered or exceptionally rare coins.

 

That's where that Woodward catalog is located. I have spent a ton of time there tracking my 1839 proof dime I posted about here last month. I can now trace the provenance to May 1915 as part of the Granberg sale. I am hopeful I can find where he got it from, although the earlier you go the less plates and descriptions. Some are just a single line listings of coins. However, it is an incredible resource.

 

There is a possibility that it is an original set. I have seen many 19th century original sets over the years.
I would not say that this one was or wasn't without seeing it in hand.

 

You could order a complete proof set or any combo of coins from the Mint in 1899...only about 850 proof dollars were made, but more for smaller denominations...That set is put together, but doubtful an original set.

 

Do you know what original packaging was?

 

Hi, I'm just trying to learn, my question to you is, why do you say the coins aren't from 1899? Are they fake or reproductions? What do you see that someone green doesn't?