Proper Care of US Mint Sets and Eagles

epicrecipe

I recently bought a series of of US Mint proof sets, silver proof sets and silver american eagles from various folks on eBay. None of the sets are older than 1999 and the eagles are not slabbed.

Unfortunately, despite descriptios like "very nice coins" and "like new," several coins had a yellowish haze building around their edges. One proof set had what appeared to be rust rings around the dime and quarter. Others had ugly spots. I'm not able to easily post pics, but I assure you these aren't the pretty rainbow toning I see in other posts and avatars. Looks like they've been holed up in a cigar box for years.

Does this sound natural? Do coins from the US Mint typically turn yellowish within their containers? What would cause this and what can I do to prevent this from happening to my newer sets?

Thanks in advance!!!

GregTheGreat

It does happen sometimes unfortunatly. Just exercise caution. Working at a coin shop for a few years gave me some insight as to what you will see in these sets. Most likely the people who sent you these coins probab did not keep them stored anywhere at all. I have seen proof sets that have had coffee cup rings on them (some people I guess use a proof set as a coaster)... Just use common sence... The coins will tone how they will sometimes you get a rainbow and sometimes you get a Chicago Dumpster but in any case you will see them change over time. As for the coins that are not in cases... go to your local coin dealer and pick up either a coin tube for them or cardboard (mylar)/plastic 2 x 2 flips.... If you can't find a place that has them shoot me a private message and I can get you some at a very reasonable price.

Good Luck in all your coin collecting.

-Greg U

DominusDeus

Souds like toning. Which does happen, and can sometimes command a premium for coins, depending on how the toning is.

Sequitur

Unfortunately, despite descriptios like "very nice coins" and "like new," several coins had a yellowish haze building around their edges. One proof set had what appeared to be rust rings around the dime and quarter. Others had ugly spots. . . . Does this sound natural?

Yes, this does sound natural -- for the cesspool that is Ebay. If the spotting or haze wasn't disclosed in the auction description, and you're dissatisfied, can you return the sets?

epicrecipe

Thanks for your answers!!!

One person has a return policy, but they want to keep 5% "restock fee" to cover eBay and PayPal. Plus I pay for shipping both ways. If I do that, I'm compelled to leave a neutral feedback because I've wasted time and money that could have been avoided with an honest description. I feel a need also to warn the eBay community about my experience with this person. Well, apparently others have done just that and this jerk followed suit by leaving a negative for them! He's one of those sellers that waits to leave a feeback based on the buyer's feedback.

I decided to keep the coins and never do business with this person again. Why? Because in hindsight, I should have done a better job of protecting myself. He clearly stated his return policy and I didn't send any emails before the auction closed. He had several recent negs and I should have read what he leaves others. Lessons learned, although it sucks you have to go through so much research just to make a simple transaction.

I plan to store all my sets and raw coins in a fireproof safe that is not in a temperature controlled area. Is this wise? Does anyone else do this?

XpipedreamR

<< <i>...Most likely the people who sent you these coins probab did not keep them stored anywhere at all... >>





Very unlikely!

epicrecipe

BTW - the "toning" is a light yellowish haze developing from the edges to the center. The effect is not desireable, IMO.