New unopened GSA's in the original shipping box

loanshark

About a month ago I saw listed on Ebay a guy that was selling a really nice looking 83 GSA. The picture was not very good and only showed the front of the coin but in the background I could see the opened original shipping box. Since I figured this guy was not a dealer who would have picked over the nice ones and sent them in to NGC, I took a shot at it and bought it.

When I got the coin with the original shipping box dated 1973 I about flipped. This was about as original as you can get. I'm sending it in to NGC and if if doesn't come back as at least a MS-64 PL I will sell my collection for a saw buck. Paid $226.

I emailed the guy to thank him for my purchase and asked him for the history as to how he still had the original shipping box. He emailed back and said his grandfather purchased many of these years ago and since he has now gone to his final resting place he was selling some and keeping some. The one I purchased from him he had opened for the first time to take a picture of it.

He also said he had several more that were unopened that I could have for the same price. I just got two more in the original shipping package that have not seen the light of day since 1973, which is the postmark on the box.

My question is, do I open it to see what I have or resale it for a profit? It is going to kill me not to open it just like the original bank rolls of coins I buy. Any idea what an unopened GSA is worth?

Loan Shark

BigD5

I want to say $400ish, but my number could be way off. I remember someone selling these a while back on the boards.

I know there will be someone else to either confirm my number, or let me know I have the wrong number.

Nice find.

jbsteven

they are worth $400-$500 unopened

Goober

I don't know about you, but I would open...I couldn't help myself. I'd just have to know. Of course that's the ADHD coming out in me.

oreville

DO NOT OPEN THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEY ARE SO MUCH IN DEMAND UNOPENED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kieferscoins

Whats his eBay id?

Cameron Kiefer

Elcontador

Question - Why are people paying so much for the unopened ones? In 1980, I bought 12 GSA CC $s.
Most of them were pretty nasty, in the MS 60-62 range. One slabbed as an MS 64, two as MS 65s, and one as MS 66 (which is the only one I am keeping). Every one of them was an 83 CC or 84 CC, except for one 82 CC.

If my experience is typical, I don't see why anyone would pay $400 or $500 for one in an unopened box. You're probably going to find an 83 or 84 CC that may grade MS 63.

nwcs

Because it's the lure of the lottery. You just never know if you're the one with the winning numbers.

loanshark

Cameron,

It is my little secret for now. I may buy some more. ;-)

Loan Shark

segoja

These are worth plenty more unopened.

I have a lot of 5 of these still sealed, with more on the way.

Any board member can have them for $450 + shipping per. Just send a PM.

Elcontador

As I said before, if you look at the breakdown of what was distributed in the GSA sales, you're probably looking at an 83 or 84 CC in MS 62 or MS 63. Is that a $100 coin? I don't follow their prices. Sure, you may get an 1889 CC in MS 66. Then again, you may become the next Prime Minister of Burkina Faso.

MacCrimmon

Well, I opened one about 2 years ago and it was an 1884-CC DOG.

KEEP 'EM SEALED AND SELL, SELL, SELL! WELL, YOU COULD KEEP A FEW.


........... BUT, YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THERE MIGHT BE AN UGLY 1893-CC TONER IN THERE - - HIDING - - WAITING - - $$$$$$$$$ !!!!

NAH!! COULDN'T BE.

mr1931S

Not opening an original GSA shipping box to see what it might contain is like finding a 1909 lincoln cent with an 'S' and never looking for a V.D.B

gsaguy

Chances are, when opened, you'll have an average looking CC dollar worth an average price.

Since you mention that the box was dated 1973, I assume that what you've purchased are individual coins with the mailing label still attached. Most of these are marked in some fashion, either on the box or the label, as to the date that is held within.

While typically not bringing the same money as the unmarked, unopened GSA's (which may contain any date within the series sold by the GSA), these items are still worth more in their original condition in my opinion. And certainly, at the price you sited, you got a great deal.



GSAGUY

loanshark

GSAGUY,

Thanks for the input. I have looked everywhere possible for anything that may give me an indication of what is inside. The only thing that is different on either box is the postage cancellation date, and both are 1973.

So, what would all of you do? Open or just leave it in the safe deposit box for a lifetime "what if"?

Don't need the money so I am leaning to keeping the dream alive.

Loan Shark

gsaguy

Loanshark,

On the mailing label, is there a box marked as "Registered". If so, what's the number within that box.....expect a string of numbers, like 82150935......this being an actual number from one of mine. The date inside will be an 1882.

Again, my recommendation is to leave the boxes unopened. Common date CC's in GSA holders can be purchased every day at shows or on the internet. But everytime one of these guys changes hands, there's a chance the new owner will open it. Most probably do. Hence, to me, these represent GSA memorabilia of ever-increasing rarity.

GSAGUY