After 12 years - Do I open my unopened 2006-W 3 Coin Gold Eagle 20th Anniversary Set or Keep Sealed?
karpman9
Posts: 309 ✭✭
I am only posting this so as to open discussion with respect to the pros and cons of me opening unopened mint shipments which I purchased from the mint during the 2006-W Gold and Silver Eagle 20th Anniversary Specials. Meaning, in earnest, this is not an offer to sell.
I purchased one and only one of the 2006-W 3-Coin Gold Eagle 20th Anniversary Sets. It remains to this day, in it’s original small sealed box sent from the “Fulfillment Center” in Memphis - FedEX label, says shipped 11/10/2006. I was thrilled to have been one of only 10,000 people to have received a set back then. At least I think I was, after all, it was 12 years ago - almost a lifetime ago!
I also have 2 unopened shipments of the 2006-W 3-Coin Silver Eagle 20th Anniversary Sets, each containing five or six sets in each sealed box.
The thing is with the silver sets, is that I purchased a third order containing only a few sets, so I felt okay opening one and appreciating the beauty of the silver set. And appreciate I did!! After all, these were the first reverse proof coins from the US Mint and they were GORGEOUS!! They made spectacular holiday gifts at $99 purchase price. But I have yet to see my gold set “in-hand”, and for some reason, now I’m getting antsy after all these years!
Questions:
Is there still a premium on unopened 2006 Gold Eagle Anniversary sets or the Silver Eagle Anniversary Sets?
What is it that people are or were really hoping to find in these unopened sets? Was it simply hoping for MS and PF 70’s or was there something else that held allure worth a premium?
Does PCGS still indicate something special about unopened sets on their labels when submitted for grading?
Will someone please share an approximation of the the premium (if any) on the gold or silver sets?
Thanks in advance for your help and insight!
I’m 51 yo and although I don’t have the disposable income I once did to be able to acquire new US coins and US currency, I still have most of my coins and all of my currency collections and I haven’t lost one bit of passion and love for the hobby. Yes, I know - tick/tock, tick/tock - time is running out. I still love this hobby and I remain in awe of the privilege that comes with stewardship of the coins and currency added to and held in my collection to this very day from the age of 7.
Best regards,
Jeffrey K. (Karpman9)
Meet my first little guy, Benjamin. Born 4/8/2007
Pic taken at 2.5 years of age.
Comments
Some of you guys would buy the Mona Lisa and keep it sealed in a crate.
Open em!
I believe the benefit of keeping coins in a sealed box is when you send them into PCGS, they will be eligible for a FIRST STRIKE label when graded or they will be able to have the proper pedigree on the label as some sets can be available separately in other purchases- take this years Limited Edition 2018 Silver Proof Set which could be purchased separately through the Silver Proof Set and an individual purchase of the S Silver Eagle. Other than those reasons, I see no purpose to keep them sealed unless you want to sell them for a premium price in a "never been opened" sale. Since you indicate no intention of selling, why not open them up? Do you intend to have them graded? If you grade them, keep them sealed and mail them in. This is a very special set, I believe it has the only RP Gold Eagle ever made. I'm guessing here, maybe worth around $5000 now? Probably more sealed!!!!
“I collect cardboard mailing boxes with coins inside them.” 😜
He who knows he has enough is rich.
Check ebay completed sales to see what buyers are paying.
Buyers hope for these in 70s. They will pay more for an already graded 70 than they will for a sealed "hopeful" 70.
Three gold coin set recently (all 70s) with 20th Anniversary label selling for around $4200 on ebay. Coins are worth their most in all 70s with the 20th Anniversary label. This label is only available for the two non-reverse coins if submitted in mint sealed box since these two coins were available outside of the three coin set. Since the reverse proof was only available in the three coin Anniversary set it should always qualify for the 20th Anniversary label.
Three coin silver set (all 70's) with 20th Anniversary label selling for around $800 on ebay. Coins are worth their most in all 70s with the 20th Anniversary label. This label is only available for the two non-reverse coins if submitted in mint sealed box since these two coins were available outside of the three coin set. Since the reverse proof was only available in the three coin Anniversary set it should always qualify for the 20th Anniversary label. Be aware that there is always the chance of spotting on these 12 year old sealed silver coins, something that could affect their value if sold sight unseen.
If you're not gonna leave any of the sets sealed, let the TPG open it during grading to maximize the future value of the coins. The reverse coins by themselves, in 70 bring a nice premium.
Gold and silver are way down from their all time highs in 2011 but still higher than your 2006 purchase date. For maximum profit, get graded and wait for gold/silver prices to rise.
Even if your gold single set does not all grade at 70, the three coins can still bring in a good price if sold individually as long as they have the 20th Anniversary label. There are buyers still looking to complete their extisting sets with a coin of the right grade3.
Your odds of building one or more complete 70s silver sets increases as the number of sets submitted increases.
If it were me I would send them all for grading in their sealed boxes. I would talk to PCGS/NGC first and make sure of label eligibility and how to annotate the submission form. I would also request return of the mint boxes/certificates as this makes the graded sets even more desirable to a buyer. I would also wait for PMs to rise in price before I sold any of the graded sets. I might immediately sell a few oddball coins individually that did not fit into a built set to offset the grading expense.
Why not cash in on some of your 2006 investment to fund future coin buying. You can always keep some of the graded (or subsequently cracked out) 2006 coins in your collection.
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
Since you're conflicted, don't open them...you can always open them later. However, if you open them now and regret it, you can't unopen them later!
I still have unopened 2006 w sets. I am going to leave them unopened until I decide to sell them. Like derryb said the gold sets should be okay but the silver sets might have spotted. As far as grading goes it gets expensive, and can be a gamble, I will probably sell my sets sealed and the buyer take the grading risk.
You probably should take some time to think about it.
He's been thinking about if for 12 years.
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
Yes. And it would be a shame to rush into it.
I totally agree with getting them in slabs and submitting in sealed boxes to get the correct label BUT eliminate NGC 'cuz Early Release time is long gone
Might be more than you bargained for in those cartons.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1934-Buick-Series-60-/132818010534?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l10137
How does one consider themselves a collector if their coins are unseen?
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
We need a tongue-in-cheek smiley.
Tennessee Tuxedo guy works pretty well.
Amongst my mountain of sealed unopened US Mint Parcels is a very small attractive Box from the year 2000. The contents is one 1999 Silver US Proof Set - the first of my many purchases to climb the value mountain ........... and then tumble down the slope toward a long spell in a hot dry desert.
To me, this small box has much value just as it is. A compact US Priority Mail box with a Set of the first examples of the 50 States Quarters. Maybe one Day I'll run into Mike Castle and get him to Autograph the Box ! I am from Delaware and maybe one day I'll go back home and run into him down around Georgetown.
Is there a TPG that will slab the entire Box ? That would be really cool.
No one has mentioned returning it to the mint.
Wait for 8 more years and open it on the 20th anniversary of when you took possession.
No these don’t have a premium IMO. I don’t buy coins hidden in what packaging? I know there is a sucker marked market for unopened usm products.....
I can’t understand why you would not have opened it to look at the coins. Unbelievable.
Open it.
I recommend opening the boxes. Look at what you have, decide what to keep and then sell the rest. Then you will have disposable income for more coins...
Cheers, RickO
the 20th Anniversary label does offer a premium. The reverse proof does offer a premium. All three gold and all five silver coins with a 20th Anniversary label do offer a premium as a full set.
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
Don't open them. Anything unopened always has the premium of the possibility. You have gone this long, and you know what is inside. DON'T DO IT!!!
Best place to buy !
Bronze Associate member
Me, I'd call Geraldo Rivera and see where that would go.
Keep it sealed, send it in for grading to either TPG.
Even if you send in ATS, it needs to be sealed in the box for the set designation. And you want the lineage on this set on the label.
This is the exact set I got into entombing coins, because I found out I couldn't pedigree the coins. I bought the three gold coin set (the same one in the OP) and several of the ASE sets, and couldn't get the 20th label on the proof or uncirc, because I opened the box to ogle the coins.
My AGE RP did come back a 70...
Back in 2006 I ordered three of the silver eagle sets and there were a fair number of broken or cracked capsules between them. in the five coin SE set from a few years later I had a few shattered capsules with the coins loose in the box. Unopened boxes seem like a bit of a gamble.
To each their own - if you like collecting sealed boxes then that is fine. If it were me, at some point I'd either sell as is or ship unopened to PCGS to have slabbed with whatever premium labels are still available.
I suspect that the value of these coins has peaked. It is true that decades from now an unopened box could be worth a huge premium, but as an investment the return by waiting that long is probably not as good as other more conventional investments.
JMHO.
Well, collectors do like sealed rolls. And just think of the unopened Star Wars figures!
I would keep it sealed only when you decide to sell it.
I have 5 sets of the 2011 25th Anniversary ASE Sets in one sealed box First Strike Eligible
Currenttly still going for twice what I purchased, but they have been going done in value through the years.
I am hoping they may be like the 1995 W. Probably wishiful thinking. But they only made 100,000 of these.
Box of 20
I agree with most everyone’s comments. It’s amazing how quickly time flies. Seems unthinkable that I’ve held on to these this long.
It’s time to either send them into PCGS for grading (if they still have the 20th Anniversary labels available). If the labels aren’t available, maybe I open and enjoy or put up for sale in their sealed/unopened boxes.
My thanks to all who replied!
Meet my first little guy, Benjamin. Born 4/8/2007
Pic taken at 2.5 years of age.
The real winner coin in the OP's sets is the RP AGE. Only 9,996 sold. The only lower mintages for the 1ozt AGE's are the recent uncirculateds. (And I don't even think "uncirculateds" is a word...) The RP 24k Buffalo sold 5 times that number.
It was one of the first two reverse proof coins struck (along with the ASE version), and it's a unique coin. The mint has yet to strike another, though they could have (maybe even should have) struck them for the 25th and 30th...
I stand corrected....yes, sealed box to both TPG's for the correct label....my Early Release comment ATS was incorrect since there was NO Early Release for the 2006 set...there was however a First Strike label from PCGS
DON'T DO IT! .... as @kkathyl suggested.
You've waited this long so why not ..... wait another 8yrs for 20th
I also think it will worth more un-opened.
Open it when Benjamin get his 1st car
I have the same in my closet. I should probably unload them now that I think about it.
Derryb, You seem to be pretty knowledgeable about label premiums on these coins, I have some sets that are still sealed also, I was hoping you could shed some light on values.
How much of a premium does the 20th Anniversary bring?
Does it bring a premium in 69 and 70 or just 70? Do the premiums on 69s exceed grading and label fees?
How big a risk is it that the silver coins are spotted, and would our host grade them if they are?
How much of a premium do the sealed boxes bring?
This info would probably be very helpful to Original Poster, and I know it would help me.
Thank You
I always think of them as Bullion, but I guess they bring a premium. Time to sell them was right after they came out, huge premiums back then.
You have good discipline. I’m still such a kid at heart that I couldn’t keep from opening a package for five minutes, much less 12 years.
check completed sales on ebay (click on "advanced") for latest data. Also check current grading fees (include shipping to and from) with the TPGs for latest data. Not sure how spotting is currently affecting grades.
The government is incapable of ever managing the economy. That is why communism collapsed. It is now socialism’s turn - Martin Armstrong
I would open. Make sure what you THINK is in there is actually what IS in there.
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
BOOMIN!™
I would have opened it 12 years ago, as I collect coins and not boxes. I'm sorry if that sounds facetious.
Also, there are so many scammers out there that I would be afraid to purchase an 'unopened box', despite the fact that legit ones, like yours, do exist. JMHO.
Good luck in your Pursuits.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I too have an unopened gold set and an unopened 2009 UHR. I shake the boxes once in a while to make sure there’s still something in there. They both make a FS type of sound.
Would you rather look at a brown cardboard box or pretty gold coins, open it
For items like this, unless you feel the need to open them, there is no reason.
For those that think it isn't "collecting", that's fine. Collect what you want and the way you want and others will do the same. No overall wrong answer.
For those that think they should be opened so the coins could be viewed....
What's the real difference between a coin of that year and type versus another of a different year and the same type? Designs remained the same. So, looking at one from that box, versus one that was opened or even a different year.....no real difference at all, if it is "just as minted and opened from the box".
There is, obviously some premium, and some reasoning, to keep them unopened, if you so desire. The label, for those so inclined and the fact that some buyers WILL put a premium on being the one to open and be the first, if they are the type that like that. So what if some posters on here will "never buy unopened" not will they assign any premium. Some of them are the same type that put no premium on a PCGS slabbed coin or one with a CAC sticker. That's their way of doing it but it isn't the way of everyone.
You do you. I think you have seen enough opinions now to know that there IS a premium, to some folks, and there IS a reason to keep them unopened, to some folks.
I still have my departed mother's 1 set, unopened mint box, of the 2006 SAE 20th anniversary. She didn't care enough to open it (too much going on back then...recovering from a stroke, loss of parents just a few years earlier, loss of daughter and husband just after the parents) and I have "inherited" it now. I'll probably sell it at some point, but won't get the $800 they were going for at one time.
I also have a box of 5 sets of 2011 26th annv SAEs. Unopened from mint. Just haven't cared enough to sell. May even be FS qualified. Know what? They look THE EXACT SAME (I am sure) as the sets I did open and still have. So, why would I open them to "enjoy them", when I already have some that are opened/slabbed and I can enjoy already?
This forum, like the internet, is great for getting thoughts and opinions, but some people like to think their way is THE ONLY way. It isn't. Again, YOU do YOU and do what you are comfortable with, given the information you have received.
One thing to note....the costs of slabbing have gone up a, to me, significant amount since 2006. Not as large a % of hit with the AGE set as it is for the ASE sets, but it is there. Likely to cost more going forward to, so unless the value rises, then money is being lost that way.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Winning response by Bochiman! Bochiman still posting quality after all these years!
Nice! And thank you!
JKK
Meet my first little guy, Benjamin. Born 4/8/2007
Pic taken at 2.5 years of age.
Christmas is right around the corner
Life is for living. Personally, I'd open it.
addendum - I'd open it if there were no other plans, and wanted to simply enjoy as-is.
If you want them graded, since they would be eligible for first-strike status (I guess), then in that case I'd mail them off unopened.
Insert witicism here. [ xxx ]
I used to own the set but sold it several years ago. I had the them originally graded. Of the three the DCAM Proof came back a 70 with the 20th Anniversary First Strike Label. At the time it was hard in that grade with that label and I was offered $5K alone for that coin. Wish I had sold back then.
Box of 20