Need members opinions on proof sets???????

ellewood

I posted this on the BST...but wanted to post here as well. I am thinking about abandoning collecting the modern proof sets from the US Mint...both clad and silver. Since 1999, I have been receiving the 5-coin Clad 50 State Quarter Proof Sets, the 10-coin clad proof sets, the 10-coin silver proof sets and, beginning in 04' - the 50 SQ Silver proof set (5-coins). I even picked up the original issue blue storage boxes for each of the sets to be safely stored over these years.

Frankly, I don't see how they will go up much more in value in years to come (with the exception of maybe the 1999 silver set). Now that I'm a collector of mostly "slabbed" coins, I flinch when I think about how the condition of these coins could detriorate over the long run....just sitting in these proof sets. I'm also thinkin that the 99' Silver Set might have already peaked...and it won't go much higher.

I would love to hear different opinions from members about whether or not proof sets are a sound investment. I'm thinking that I could sell the 3 diff. sets on eBay (or on the BST) and reinvest the money in other coins. Your opinions/input would be greatly appreciated!!!

coinguy1

I believe that in the vast majority of cases, proof sets have ended up being bad investments. I see no reason why that will change.

Bochiman

Mark is right, from what I have seen.
Watch the trends over the years on proof sets......they go up for a few years after issue. Then, after about 8-10 years, they drop. Sometimes below issue price.
They may come back up again, years down the road. Not a great "investment" though, as the same amount of money is often better used elsewhere for better % profit.

That being said, I collect proof sets. I have a set from 1957-present right now. I paid $150 for the 1999 silver set. So, maybe I paid too much if it tanks in the next 4-5 years. But, I could afford it right now, would likely have bet the money on the blackjack table or craps otherwise, so, I am ok with that.

Russ

<< <i>I believe that in the vast majority of cases, proof sets have ended up being bad investments. >>



These two were a pretty good investment:





Russ, NCNE

ksteelheader

<< <i>

<< <i>I believe that in the vast majority of cases, proof sets have ended up being bad investments. >>



These two were a pretty good investment:





Russ, NCNE >>



Modern crap...

Hedger

I agree these sets aren't a great investment. I have only the silver proofs from '99 up and they won't gain much at the present. These are like fads just like the state quarter hording.

keets

Proof Sets and Mint Sets run contrary to the old saying that the value of the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts. oftentimes there can be one coin in a set that dwarfs the set value. searching Modern Proof Sets and Mint Sets can be the best source for many issues but as far as appreciating in value, well, that's probably a real long term hope overall. i sold off my date runs of both about a year ago, all choice stuff gleaned from shows and shop stock.

has anyone else noticed that during the 90's to date the odd years are the Proof Sets that have gone up?? weird.

al h.

Bochiman

Not 2003 though
I boughts up lotz o' dem.

SanctionII

Russ's two 1964 proof sets probably made him, or will make him, a huge return on his investment due to the two Deep Cameo Accented Hair half dollars contained in the sets.

fairdale

Need help.

Still searching through the estate after my wife's grand uncle, and there are some proof sets among all the raw coins. It is fifteen sets (Philadelphia) from 1964 and five from 1962. What do I look for?
The coins looks really extreme to me!

Thank you!

Russ

<< <i>It is fifteen sets (Philadelphia) from 1964 and five from 1962. What do I look for? >>



Look for coins that look like these:





Russ, NCNE

cladking

<< <i>I believe that in the vast majority of cases, proof sets have ended up being bad investments. I see no reason why that will change. >>



Buying coins for investment is not a good idea and this has been especially true for
most proof sets over the last few decades. There are some indications that this may
not continue to be true though. The mintages of the more recent dates have been
dropping during a time when demand for newer coins has been increasing. The large
mintage have prevented many large price gains but most of the sets from the last few
years are at higher than issue price. This may be a good chance to take profits for spec-
ulators but it's not impossible prices will go higher as more collectors come on board.
Older proof sets have been destroyed in large numbers and are often very inexpensive
so these too may present opportunity to speculators.

All these sets are very bulky and difficult to store which would lead most individuals to
speculate in other areas.