Value of original 1939 proof set

RYK

I am going to a local coin auction today--an old time collection, certified by NGC and auctioned by a high-end general auction house. The only item that really interested me is an original 1939 proof set. I have no idea how to value this. Any help would be appreciated.

(There is also a 56 Flyer, Fugio, and a Pine Tree Shilling.)

Cameonut

I do not know understand the meaning of an "original" set from that time. My understanding is that the coins were sold individually, I am not sure what packaging they were in. I seem to remember a thread on this topic a couple of months ago.

Here is what I can tell you. I have purchased a couple of sets from this era - all were housed in Capital holders. I base my offers on the Grey sheet Buy/Ask spread and how nice the set is. In my case, the sets I bought were populated with coins of PR65+ quality, so I paid closer to ask. Other sets that I have looked at were hairlined and would grade about PR63 - I would not pay bid for those sets. With these opportunities, you loupe is your best friend - bring a good one.

roadrunner

Some of the set prices are far more money than the indiv prices. Those sets I don't bother with. The 1942 proof set is one such animal. But if your 1939 set looks original, with matching colors, etc. maybe that's worth a 5-10% premium. If there is some orig mint paperwork or other written proof as the originality, it could be worth more. But as already stated, pay accordingly for what the coins are worth on their own. If they are nice, pay nice money. If not nice, just pass.

roadrunner

100proof1957

I think nut is correct being sold individually

Packed in glassine envelopes and the whole order stapled together and placed in a small box.

If these are all slabbed,there is no way to tell if its a "SET"

Smittys

I bought an original 1939 Proof set and sent in in for NGC grading
I still have the celo's and all coins are in order number wise on slab
But it's still hard to prove it's original

FC57Coins

Robert - it all depends on what the coins look like - you have a great sense for telling premium quality. These coins are going above ask in sets for the most part from what I understand, so tacking on a premium for pristine, un hairlined surfaces should be appropriate based on what you think the general condition of the coin is. - If all else fail - just keep bidding on the sucker till no one else does

tlhoy

The mint sold 8,795 1939 proof sets for $1.89 each. Book price today shows $1,400 but I think that's a bit high.

Glenn

CarlWohlforth

It depends on the grades. Higher grades = higher prices. If the coins look matched that would suggest they have been together and would make them worth a tad higher to me as a set.