Grading proof sets
 

Some time back I recall someone suggested that when proof sets ordered from the US mint show up, don't open the box but send as is to a grading service. I have 3 of the triple SAE ( BU, proof, rev proof) sets coming. Is this something I should consider? Anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Not me.

Re: Grading proof sets
 

I'm no expert, but that never stopped me before, so here goes:

The proofs and reverse proofs seem to get a bigger boost from a nice grade. I guess it depends on the cost of grading vs the return.

But when you are searching for a bigger fool on ebay to get the maximum premium if you sell some, having them slabbed, even at a lower grade than you might like, seems to help.

Can someone correct me here?

Can these be marked 20th anniversary of they are unopened?

I think I would probably do it, even though it means I have to fondle my coins via a thick, unsatisfying prophylactic. And if you do manage to win the lottery and score a PCGS PR70 reverse proof, well, that would be very nice, indeed. One PR70 could pay for a lot more silver, were you so inclined to sell it. Check ebay. And if it all comes together with a PCGS graded 20th anniv. reverse proof DCAM PR70 eagle, well, sir, you got yourself a winner.

LG :call:

Re: Grading proof sets
 

First - you are correct - having them graded, if you intend to sell on Ebay or anywhere else, for that matter - tends to get you a better price because a third party (PCGS preferred, then NGC) has determined what grade they are (otherwise a dozen coin dealers could tell you a dozen different grades).

That was the easy part.

NOW - the thing about not opening the coins was posted on GIM on some link and sort of threw me - so I called PCGS two days ago (because I HOPE to get a few of these sets myself).

What they told me was - the thing about not opening the packages was for those hoping for First Strike labels. Unfortunately, you have to send in the coins and paperwork, showing you got them before October 24th - which obviously we have not done. But they assured me, any coins sent in after that date, opened or not, would be graded as 20th anniversary coins because - well - thats what they are! (And I suspect, because there are so few of these coins, relatively speaking, only 250,000 - that First Strike label or not - PR/MS69 or 70's will still get great returns on the investment.)



Absolutely - and in a few years, as I said, I think PR69 will also get you a great return.......so far I am seeing indictations that you could get double what you paid. Now, in truth, sometimes these coins are higher at first, and then drop in price, but unlike the Buffalo, which I think will also be worth more in, say, 5 years......these coins are a lot less expensive than the $800 Buffalo, sold much faster and, as far as we know, are now sold out. (The Mint is only taking backorders now - and no assurance you'll get a coin.)

SO - while I don't pick up too many of the new minted US coins (won't bother with the new president dollars or first lady coins - unless they put Bill Clinton on one :rofl: ) - this seems like a good gamble that it will be a good thing to have and the longer you hold on to it- with the rarity and price of silver going up - the more it will be worth!

Good luck collecting! Cheers!

Re: Grading proof sets
 

Thanks for the input. Looks like I need to contact PCGS to take this further.
'preciate it.
:beer: