I found a 1951 proof set in a Capital holder with a gorgeous CAM nickel............

SanctionII

and asked the dealer if he would be willing to trade a 1951 brilliant proof nickel I have for the CAM with me paying him cash to compensate him for the difference in the quality of the nickel (i.e. $20.00-$25.00). Some dealers I know will let me do this and I have scored some nice older CAM proofs that way (i.e. 1950 CAM cent and 1952 CAM nickel).

He said no and that he does not take apart 1956 and older proof sets. He said for 1957 and later he is willing to break out/cut out individual coins and sell them. He knows I like to search for raw CAM/DCAM proofs and has sold me many proof sets containing these coins at bid or ask. I even told him I would do the work to switch the coins. He still said no and would only sell the set as a whole.

Frustrating, cuz the nickel is really a great looking CAM (grading 65 or 66 IMHO) and would go great with the 1950-1970 CAM/DCAM proof and SMS nickel set I am putting together.

I have thought about buying the set, switching the nickels and then reselling the set immediately, though I expect if I did, the buy sell spread would result in me having a fair chunk of change tied up in the CAM nickel. What is a raw 1951 65 or 66 CAM nickel worth anyway?

Any suggestions as to what I can do? Your wisdom and creative problem solving is appreciated.

CarlWohlforth

1951 is a tough date for nickels with strong cameo contrast. If it was Cam+ or DCAM I would buy the set in a second, swap the nickels and that would be that.

100proof1957

Kevin,

The guide tells me the 51 Jeff is common in CAM, 100 bucks in 6

what do you say ?

George

jdimmick

I have run across the same scenario. What I would do is, buy the whole set, take out the nickel you like, then put another back in and blow out the set at a discount. You just have to make sure that the set your breaking has a coin in it, that is worth breaking an original set for.

SanctionII

I will have to look at the set again and give the nickel a real close look under a 10x loupe. If it is as nice as my memory remembers, I may well just take the plunge and buy the set, switch the nickel and resell the set immediately. In fact Santa Clara is looming and I could probably find someone to buy the set at close to bid. If I take the plunge and buy the set I will let everyone know.

Cameonut

Double check the nickel - take a good loupe. Make sure there are no major marks or problems.
Buy the whole set if the nickel looks nice. Pay about bid for the set - especially if the other coins look decent.

Then buy a replacement nickel and resell the set.

I do this all the time for early '50's sets.

fivecents

Buy proof set, swap nickels, Sell proof set.

keets

the others have already provided the answer. just buy the whole set.

CarlWohlforth

<< In fact Santa Clara is looming and I could probably find someone to buy the set at close to bid>>

I'll be in Santa Clara. However I don't want the set, just the nickel.

segoja

If oyu can get the set for around $500-525 and the nickel is a 66CAM or better you'll win. I just made a 51 nickel in 67CAM today, and was kind of surprised to see the PCGS pirce guide at $350. A nice win, but that is a tough nickel in high grade with cameo.

A 66CAM can be had easily for around $100-125. By the time you pay a premium and get the coin slabbed, you'll be in it for $50-75, still not a bad dela for a 51 cam nickel.

You need a box of singles to replace dealer inventory. I also would not want ot break out a $50 nickel on a $500 proof set and hope I could find another. no one will buy the balance of the set for what it's worth.

Good Luck!!!

Russ

I saw a 1950 proof set in a capital holder for $150 at the last show I attended. Should I have bought it?

Russ, NCNE

segoja

Unless it was railroaded...I think so!!!

Russ

<< <i>Unless it was railroded... >>



It was. The dealer and I had a good laugh about the set. Every coin looked like it was polished with steel wool.

Russ, NCNE

segoja

Russ good think you passed. Sounds like bullion to me.

SanctionII

I am going to stop by the shop where the 1951 proof set is again today and take a hard look at the CAM nickel. If it is a high grade (65 or above) CAM, I will either buy the set or the individual coin. If I buy the set I will replace the CAM nickel with a brilliant nickel and resell the set ASAP. The CAM nickel will join its CAM/DCAM brothers.

SanctionII

TTT.

Well I looked at the nickel again and took the plunge. I bought the entire proof set, will switch out the CAM nickel with a brilliant nickel and resell the set. The CAM nickel is very nice, better than any others I have found raw. I will study it in hand this evening and get a good feel for it. However, it looks like a 66 or 67 grade with a solid CAM. The set was purchased by the dealer I bought it from from the original owner of the set. The original owner took the coins out of the mint packaging and put them in a Capital holder. All of the coins are totally original, though some have hazed up a bit.

All in all, a nice cherrypick for me.

Cameonut

I hope you did not have to pay above bid for the set.
Have you found a replacement nickel yet?

SanctionII

Cameonut, yes I have a replacement nickel ready to go. It is a brilliant example that I have had sitting around for a while. Always nice to have some extra widget coins laying around that you can use as replacement stock when you stumble across something nice.

gyocomgd

<< <i>

<< <i>Unless it was railroded... >>



It was. The dealer and I had a good laugh about the set. Every coin looked like it was polished with steel wool.

Russ, NCNE >>



Great dealer. Has a good laugh with you, then sells with a straight face to some schmoe that happens by. Yes indeed, a regular comedian.

segoja

Way to go on the 51 set!!!

The nickel sounds like a winner!!!

Myqqy

Well I looked at the nickel again and took the plunge.

Any pics of the new purchase?