Original wrapper 1954 Proof Set

MICHAELDIXON

While looking around Ebay, I spotted this auction: Item number: 3925227181. While the box might be the original 'wrapper,' the plastic baggies the coins are in is not. The coins came in cellophane type small baggies which are easy to spot. Remember if you buy an early proof set in the box, if coins are in plastic baggies, they have been removed from the original cellophane ones.

Betta285

Link

Gonfunko

What did the coins originally come in?

DoctorPaper

<< <i>While looking around Ebay, I spotted this auction: Item number: 3925227181. While the box might be the original 'wrapper,' the plastic baggies the coins are in is not. The coins came in cellophane type small baggies which are easy to spot. Remember if you buy an early proof set in the box, if coins are in plastic baggies, they have been removed from the original cellophane ones. >>



I've been collecting for over 50 years. In 1954, I obtained a proof set directly from the US Mint (and for many years afterward as well).
I still have that 1954 set. Guess what, it's in that little cardboard box you see on the eBay auction, and the individual coins are in those "baggy-like" polytylene sleeves, stapled at the top. Halfway through 1955, the mint changed to the cellophane-like flatpacks away from the boxed system. That's why you can obtain 1955 proof sets in two different types of original holders-boxes and flat packs.
So that does look like an original 1954 set to me on eBay. Incidently, I'm not sure it's been smart for me to leave my set in its original sleeves and box. The coins, esp. the half dollar have developed some unattractive dark toning. I'm not sure if it's from the polyethylene sleeves or the box.

fivecents

Those baggies are US mint originals. The mint changed for the cello baggies to plastic baggies at some point.

MacCrimmon

Those polyetheylene "baggies" are original, at least in my experience. I purchase 5-6 sealed sets several years ago and they all had these "baggies". If someone was trying to be deceptive, they should have removed the 2 nice cameo Franklins, the nice DCAM Jeff, and the ultra nice super DCAM Lincoln which I found in the grouping.

Some do tend to have a purplish-brown ring toning from 50-odd years in the bags. The lot does not show the presence of the 5-6 sheets of tissue paper which the polys were originally wrapped in.

Cheers

majorbigtime

<< <i>Those baggies are US mint originals. The mint changed for the cello baggies to plastic baggies at some point. >>



I beleive the change was '53 (cello) to '54 (plastic).

Russ

The change from the crispy celos to the more pliable baggies came in the middle of 1954 proof set production, so the sets can be found with either type.

Russ, NCNE

mnmcoin

Sorry, couldn't resist.

morris <><

MSD61

Wow...I didn't know this. I learned something tonight

nankraut

I agree with Russ, because I've opened quite q few sealed 1954 boxes over the years, and have found both kinds of plastic sleeves.