Expectation on Mint Proofs...

OneCent

When buying proof coins from the mint, what are your expectations on the coin you receive? Do you expect to get a flawless gem 70 every time.

I received my proof silver SF commem from the mint yesterday and it looks pretty good. I know that there have been a lot of threads on here concerning the lack of quality of these proofs. I must say that I am fairly pleased with my experience and coin. It is not flawless and wouldn't grade a 70...should that have been my expectation?

Thanks for the input.

MrSpud

It is all relative anyways. If the mint could find a way of mass producing nothing but PF70's then PF70's would never be worth any more than the original price from the mint.

BigBuffaloGuy

I agree! To me, the Mint does a fantastic job Minting coins. I'd say 95+% of their collectible, not-meant-for-circulation modern coins would grade 69 or 70 by the reputable grading services.

DONNYJF

No I don't think all of them would come as 70's. I just would like to get a mint coin without any damage. They like so nice being bright and new, but when there are bad packing and very bad marks on them it does make the mint look bad.
Had to send back both of my SFO silver and gold. Hope they look better when the new ones arrive some day

cladking

I just want them to be cull free. An occassional cull is to be expected with most
of the regular proof sets so I wouldn't send one back unless it's a real dog.

The best bet is to buy these on the secondary market so you can pick and choose.

BobGreene

No, I don't expect my proof coins from the Mint to be PR70's because PR70's don't exist. I do, however, expect them to be in the PR68-69 range with no distracting marks.

aficionado

Mine isn't a 70, but I'm keeping it.

Burks

I expect my coins to be free of any damage that occurs outside of the minting process. If some numskull drops the coin or decides to slide it across the table to his buddy, darn right I'd be returning it. This thing with coins falling out of their holders isn't acceptable at all. I don't expect my coins to be a certain grade but it should be relatively mark free. My two Marine Commems would probably both grade 69's. That's great! If they graded 68's then big deal, I still love the coin.

Gemineye

<< <i>Do you expect to get a flawless gem 70 every time. >>



They are 99.9% flawless IMO...Do they grade a 70..??..I don't know..They are worthy to send in to be graded..!!!
What are you going to expect from the mint 10 years from now..??

flaminio

My opinion... a "standard" 21st century Mint Proof should grade PF68. That should be a coin that anyone would be happy to receive.

A PF69 would be a truly exceptional coin, and one that would sit in a proud place in one's collection.

A PF67 would still be a nice coin, and only the most anal of collectors would think about returning it to the mint.

PF66 and below would be pretty much "impaired".

A PF70 would be a genuine rarity. No one should "expect" one -- rather, it should be heralded with the voices of angels when one is made.

19Lyds

What are my expectations?

Well first off,

I expect a coin that is produced using the Proof Manufacturing process.

I expect coins that do not have scratches.



I expect coins that do not have dings or hits.



I expect coins that do not have a proliferation of haze.



I expect coins that do not have crud on them.



I expect coins that have at least some cameo to them.



I have not experienced any of the above in the past but it seems that as the mint stepped up their manufacturing of "other" products, they did not keep pace with any quality control.

I am really glad that you have not had a problem but there are those of us that do get problem proofs and it just proves to be irritating. Especially the part where you have to "eat" the return postage to get decent coins which should have been received in the first place.

Flawless gem? I do not expect this but am pleased when one does arrive. However, anything less than a 68 with todays manufacturing capabilities is unacceptable.

BECOKA

I received some Proof commems that had large circular scratch marks. I am returning them. I just hope I don't get too lazy and miss the 30-day return window.