Grading Eagle Proofs

Nox

Please be patient with me. I know this is a newbie question.

My son and I have started to collect coins. We are both new at it and are working on starting a collection of Silver Eagle Proofs form the Mint. My biggest concern is that I will be taken for a ride. I was looking thru the price guide and have become a little confused. I see there are different grades for the proof coins I am not sure of how to grade these coins to know what is a good buy and what is a rip off.

Here is my question, what grade are the American Eagle Silver proofs that are issued from the mint?

Would they be PR 65 or are they a higher grade?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

BECOKA

In my opinion 90+% of the Silver Eagle Proofs are PR69 in grade. They are not perfect and some lower quality ones come through but they usually do a pretty good job on this series.

kranky

Welcome to the boards, Nox!

Silver Eagle Proofs are very well made and the vast majority will grade PR69. I don't think you need to worry very much about the grade. When buying them, you should not see any obvious marks or flaws. If you do, pass on that coin and choose another one.

I think Silver Eagle Proofs are an example of a coin you can generally buy with confidence and not have to be concerned about grading.

nolimitz

Hi Nox
I have been buying a couple sets of proofs for the kids. I am doing original govt packaking and not slabbed coins. So far I have been happy with the results. Been buying direct from mint since 2000. Some of the mid 90's coins can be a bit pricey. have fun with it.

MikeInFL

To answer your question, the vast majority of proofs (90%+) would be PF 69 DCAM.

As an aside, be very carful in using the pricing guides (particularly PCGS or other published price guides) for SAEs. Most if not all prices are inflated, and the actual purchase and selling market numbers are, in fact, quite different than the rosy picture of the price guides.

If I were you, I'd collect nice raw examples. A complete set in a nice Dansco album would be both beautiful and cost-effective. I would collect SAEs that look good to you, regardless of grade, and (with the exception of the 1995-W) they all should be available without much of a premium. In no case would I recommend you start collecting high grade certified SAEs.

Hope this helps...Mike

KoinDawg

According PCGS Population Report, about 93% of Silver Eagle proofs submitted for grading PR69DCAM.

Example for 2005:

................................................65....66....67...68.......69........70.......Total
2005-W $1 Eagle PRDC....2......1.....2.....35.....2201.....129......2370

Nox

Thanks for all the help.

30AnvZ28

I would have been PISSED to been the guy to get the 65.

kranky

<< <i>I would have been PISSED to been the guy to get the 65. >>



Could have been a novice who messed it up getting it out of the mint container and packaging it up for submission.