Unopened mint proof sets...open or leave unopened?
 

I just bought some pre 1964 ( 1961 1962 1963 1964) proofs sets and i dont know if i should open them and possible grade some of the coins or just leave it unopened and let the value grow.

What do you guys think?

I think i should just let it be unopened but im not sure. First proof sets that i have boughten

Re: Unopened mint proof sets...open or leave unopened?
 

Ehh, they've stayed sealed this long why open them???

Re: Unopened mint proof sets...open or leave unopened?
 

Are you talking about opening the paper envelope the set container is in or the container the coins themselves are in?

Open the paper envelope to confirm what you have received.

Dont open the container and expose the coins to air, and worst of all DO NOT touch the coins - the slight oil on your fingers will cause corrosion over time and your coins will be worth far less with a big old fingerprint shaped corrosion spot.

Chris

Re: Unopened mint proof sets...open or leave unopened?
 

At least you bought sets containing 90% coins. As for the value growing, don't hold your breath. With some exceptions, most mint and proof sets can be purchased cheaper today, than their original mint offering price. The more recent mint and proof sets tend to go for higher values. I have alot of proof sets that I purchased 30 years ago, that can be bought cheaper today, and that's with dollars that are worth less than back then! Good deals can be found though. I found a guy on Ebay selling a group of proof and UNC commemoratives, sets, that I was able to pick up for the melt prices. I enjoy collecting the proof and mint sets, as you seem to. A good idea might be to purchase the new sets from the Mint each year. You never know when a low mintage may occur, or different varieties/errors, that can make you a good short term profit! I like the 90% silver Proof sets, with the State Quarters. They are so much more beautiful than the clad sets!

Re: Unopened mint proof sets...open or leave unopened?
 

I bought them from apmex.

Re: Unopened mint proof sets...open or leave unopened?
 

I think I gave the wrong impression, I really like the pre 1965 proof and mint sets. RealMoney is right, many times you can find the 1962-1964 sets for melt. They are by far the most common sets you will find for sale - and they will be at garage sales, flea markets, etc. As long as you dont hope for some $10,000 coin and you pay close to spot you cant go wrong buying 90%.

Two tips if you are looking for a collectable coin: 1.) Coins with "Cameo" finishes are worth more. These coins will have frosted reliefs (the portrait and raised lettering) on both the front and back of the coins. There will be sharp contrast between the frosted parts and the mirrored fields. These coins are usually worth considerably more than melt value to a collector. Most sets minted 1958-1964 do not have a cameo finish because the dies used to strike the coins wore down through the striking process. 2.) In 1964 proof sets only there are "accented hair" Kennedy halves - sometimes they can be worth more than melt, if they are cameoed then its big money. The accented hair comes from a little wishboned shaped hair feature on the Kennedy portrait, right above the ear. Relatively few were made. Search yahoo for a site that helps you identify them more easily.

If you do find collectors coins dont remove them from the cellophane.

Re: Unopened mint proof sets...open or leave unopened?
 

Also another cool little side note, with copper at all time highs every coin in a pre 1965 mint/proof set is worth more than its face value. Its like its own mini metals portfolio.