As the first week of sales comes to a close, no sellout has been recorded with preliminary sales figures of 14,000+ units sold through 12/17 and the one-per-household limit still in effect. Poll results through today as I remove the option for one week or less:
We also received verification yesterday that PCGS will designate both coin with a special First Strike® - 10th anniversary label as long as the set is submitted for grading in the sealed shipping box from the Mint.
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
The first orders were shipped and received one week ago. We have the first perfect PCGS First StrikeSM -10th anniversary set listed on eBay by board member Wondercoin.
Would'nt a sellout be BAD? A sellout would mean that 30k sets were sold and that would be a large quantity for plats. Kind of reminds me of the stock market reasoning.
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
<< <i>Early PCGS pop reports show 3 sets graded and only one 69 out of the 6 coins! Will the mint end sales today as the poll seems to indicate >>
So does that mean that the other 5 were 70's or were they less than 69?
I got my set, but the wife opened it so I have to send it back for a replacement since PCGS wants it sealed. At least I got to look at the coins though.
These are the bigger questions. How many will send theirs back or cancel before ship? Will the mint discontinue sales and melt extras and returns or keep selling returns until they disappear? I suspect the latter. If so they may be selling like the 2001 Kennedy halfs.
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
<< <i>Early PCGS pop reports show 3 sets graded and only one 69 out of the 6 coins! Will the mint end sales today as the poll seems to indicate >>
So does that mean that the other 5 were 70's or were they less than 69?
I got my set, but the wife opened it so I have to send it back for a replacement since PCGS wants it sealed. At least I got to look at the coins though. >>
Out of a total of 6 coins graded (3 sets) so far one Proof came back 69 the rest were 70's. Hopefully this is an indicator the Reverse Proof will have a high 70 ratio.
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
Out of a total of 6 coins graded (3 sets) so far one Proof came back 69 the rest were 70's. Hopefully this is an indicator the Reverse Proof will have a high 70 ratio. >>
Is that really good? If everyone has a 70 then are they really special? Now if YOUR collection has a high 70 ratio that would be good. Right?
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
If that's the case, then the value will not be all that great, but I would still think many would want a 70 reverse proof which will help the value since many will want it for collecting purposes if they can get it for not much more than it costs to get it. It will be interesting to watch.
<< <i>Out of a total of 6 coins graded (3 sets) so far one Proof came back 69 the rest were 70's. Hopefully this is an indicator the Reverse Proof will have a high 70 ratio. >>
Is that really good? If everyone has a 70 then are they really special? Now if YOUR collection has a high 70 ratio that would be good. Right? >>
Its good for the flippers, who dump theirs early. Its bad for those left holding the coins.
<< <i>Would'nt a sellout be BAD? A sellout would mean that 30k sets were sold and that would be a large quantity for plats. >>
Not selling out means the Mint will still be selling these in 2010 or later. Have you forgotten about the 2001 Kennedy Halves or the 1999 SBA or the state quarter first day coin covers? Once minted, they rarely destroy coins. Instead, they languish for years on the website.
I believe the stupid Mint really did believe they could sell 30k plats, and that they had them minted in advance (we all got our shipments very quickly--a far cry from most U.S. Mint orders). Now that they are minted, they will sell them until the Saints win the Superbowl. Or until Hell freezes over, whichever comes first.
I also believe that a great many of those 15k orders were flippers, and that within 30 days, after they find the coins still available from the Mint, at least 5k will be returned.
I heard they were making a French version of Medal of Honor. I wonder how many hotkeys it'll have for "surrender."
<< <i>Out of a total of 6 coins graded (3 sets) so far one Proof came back 69 the rest were 70's. Hopefully this is an indicator the Reverse Proof will have a high 70 ratio. >>
Is that really good? If everyone has a 70 then are they really special? Now if YOUR collection has a high 70 ratio that would be good. Right? >>
Its good for the flippers, who dump theirs early. Its bad for those left holding the coins. >>
Yep. Low overall 70 ratio is better for long term collecting.
the early pop numbers may be "over the counter" submissions - sort of a "you can have your cake and eat it too" concept
where boxes are opened in front of PCGS (walk ins) , therefore qualifying for FS, but you get a chance of examining before handing it to them for grading.....
let's be honest, if you had the chance to cull out any 69's, you would do so. I think that's why you see the "walk ins" getting 5 of 6 70's.
Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's.
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
<< <i>Would'nt a sellout be BAD? A sellout would mean that 30k sets were sold and that would be a large quantity for plats. >>
Not selling out means the Mint will still be selling these in 2010 or later. Have you forgotten about the 2001 Kennedy Halves or the 1999 SBA or the state quarter first day coin covers? Once minted, they rarely destroy coins. Instead, they languish for years on the website.
I believe the stupid Mint really did believe they could sell 30k plats, and that they had them minted in advance (we all got our shipments very quickly--a far cry from most U.S. Mint orders). Now that they are minted, they will sell them until the Saints win the Superbowl. Or until Hell freezes over, whichever comes first.
I also believe that a great many of those 15k orders were flippers, and that within 30 days, after they find the coins still available from the Mint, at least 5k will be returned. >>
Then it seems like a lose-lose situation because a sellout is too many in the market. No sellout is the situation you describe.
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes.
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
These will not be as collectible as Susan B Anthony Dollars, Ikes or Sacagaweas and Prezzie bucks. Why ? Most of us aren't rich. We are in it for FUN more than money. The ones that are available are for a short collector base that will always be a small percentage of the collector base out there. You can bet your bottom dollar on this. Regardless of any slab or labels. This is my humble opinion.
I am not against them, I'm just looking from a typical collector's standpoint. A couple grand will buy lots of decent bust halves, some classic St Gaudens ... even 3 Dollar gold., CC minted, or some great IHCs There is much more fun to be had using a huge chunk of change for other numismatic endeavors at this juncture in my life than to beat my head against the wall with HEAVY METAL
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception.
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception. >>
I guess a long as PCGS continues to have a special census count you are correct. If they stop it in the future then the designation would be less important and those paying a premium would be left holding the bag. Of course if you have sold by then then you are left with the money but also some unhappy customers.
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
I guess a long as PCGS continues to have a special census count you are correct. If they stop it in the future then the designation would be less important and those paying a premium would be left holding the bag. Of course if you have sold by then then you are left with the money but also some unhappy customers. >>
As in the rest of life, there is no guarantee what tomorrow may bring
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
I guess a long as PCGS continues to have a special census count you are correct. If they stop it in the future then the designation would be less important and those paying a premium would be left holding the bag. Of course if you have sold by then then you are left with the money but also some unhappy customers. >>
As in the rest of life, there is no guarantee what tomorrow may bring >>
Did you have to remind me on the threshold of a new year?
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
<< <i>That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
The Platinum Proof issues regularly have less than 10,000 total pieces and the PCGS 70 ratio is around 15%.
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
am not against them, I'm just looking from a typical collector's standpoint. A couple grand will buy lots of decent bust halves, some classic St Gaudens ... even 3 Dollar gold., CC minted, or some great IHCs There is much more fun to be had using a huge chunk of change for other numismatic endeavors at this juncture in my life than to beat my head against the wall with HEAVY METAL
Plats are not for everyone, that's for sure. Just like $3.00 Gold, CC minted or busties are not for everybody. If you are talking strictly in a numismatic endeavor sense, the Plat RP is a very solid and appropriate design for the times, and the finish makes this a very classy-looking acquisition.
There will never be another first-issue Reverse Proof Plat, and if you have the other 2 Reverse Proofs, this coin is pretty much Essential. And you can acquire one knowing with 100% certainty that it has not been chemically-treated, cleaned, whizzed, tooled, puttied, or artificially-toned.
And, in a pinch - it's still 99.95% platinum, produced in an instantly recognizable form by a recognized issuer of some repute.
Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally
<< <i>That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
The Platinum Proof issues regularly have less than 10,000 total pieces and the PCGS 70 ratio is around 15%. >>
Could be other reasons for low 70's count besides strike volume, no? Planchet flaws? Handling?
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception. >>
I see it as taking advantage of the ignorant. Period.
jmski52... Your point is well taken. It still doesn't address an affordability issue. I really like the Plat coins and the one ouncer for 2006, 2007, and 2008 Ws with the 3 branches of government are the only that I'm really interested in from a numismatic perspective. That is more because of the uniqueness of this trilogy. I have none of the reverse proof coins. I know they are a beautiful.
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception. >>
I see it as taking advantage of the ignorant. Period. >>
Look at most of the products advertized today (and even in the past). I think ignorance is the lifeblood of sales. Not to excuse it but just an observation.
Gold and silver are valuable but wisdom is priceless.
I have had a set of anniversary platinum that says it is in process, but will not ship until the 31st of December. Today is the 31st and nothing. What is going on? Does anyone know? I ordered around Christmas.
Your order has not been shipped. Once they are ready to ship your order the cancel button will be removed. About a day or two after that happens, you can use your order number to get a tracking number for your order at the link fastrudy posted.
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
<< <i>That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
The Platinum Proof issues regularly have less than 10,000 total pieces and the PCGS 70 ratio is around 15%. >>
By my calculation, the majority of the years have a PCGS 70 ratio of about 6%. That is for the halves. Thinking that this set of halves will have a higher 70 ratio is wishful thinking.
The January 14th Coin World is reporting the Mint will continue to offer the set into 2008 since the entire 30,000 sets have already been struck. They also stated the Mint would re-evaluate the one-per-household limit after 30 days and decide wether to extend, adjust or lift the limit.
<< <i>As of Dec. 25, the Mint recorded sales of 15,840 sets. Should the Mint not receive orders to exhaust the mintage limit of 30,000 sets by Dec. 31, the sets will continue to be offered into 2008, since the maximum mintage of the coins has already been struck at the West Point Mint, according to U.S. Mint officials. U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White said Dec. 19 that all of the coins for the sets were struck between early September and early December. White said Dec. 26 that since sales were considered strong as of Dec. 20, following the first seven days of sales, Mint officials will next reevaluate at the 30-day mark whether to change the order restrictions. >>
The poll results as I remove the cut-off sales at the end of the year option:
Never teach a pig to sing. You'll waste your time and annoy the pig
Comments
We also received verification yesterday that PCGS will designate both coin with a special First Strike® - 10th anniversary label as long as the set is submitted for grading in the sealed shipping box from the Mint.
Link
How high will it go
<< <i>RYK, it looks like a sellout. >>
It does? I must need new glasses.
I still can't see nothin.
Camelot
<< <i>I got's me new glasses
I still can't see nothin.
No wonder u can't see nothin...there is noding to see.
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>Early PCGS pop reports show 3 sets graded and only one 69 out of the 6 coins! Will the mint end sales today as the poll seems to indicate
So does that mean that the other 5 were 70's or were they less than 69?
I got my set, but the wife opened it so I have to send it back for a replacement since PCGS wants it sealed.
<< <i>
<< <i>Early PCGS pop reports show 3 sets graded and only one 69 out of the 6 coins! Will the mint end sales today as the poll seems to indicate
So does that mean that the other 5 were 70's or were they less than 69?
I got my set, but the wife opened it so I have to send it back for a replacement since PCGS wants it sealed.
Out of a total of 6 coins graded (3 sets) so far one Proof came back 69 the rest were 70's. Hopefully this is an indicator the Reverse Proof will have a high 70 ratio.
Is that really good? If everyone has a 70 then are they really special? Now if YOUR collection has a high 70 ratio that would be good. Right?
<< <i>Out of a total of 6 coins graded (3 sets) so far one Proof came back 69 the rest were 70's. Hopefully this is an indicator the Reverse Proof will have a high 70 ratio. >>
Is that really good? If everyone has a 70 then are they really special? Now if YOUR collection has a high 70 ratio that would be good. Right?
Its good for the flippers, who dump theirs early. Its bad for those left holding the coins.
<< <i>Would'nt a sellout be BAD? A sellout would mean that 30k sets were sold and that would be a large quantity for plats. >>
Not selling out means the Mint will still be selling these in 2010 or later. Have you forgotten about the 2001 Kennedy Halves or the 1999 SBA or the state quarter first day coin covers? Once minted, they rarely destroy coins. Instead, they languish for years on the website.
I believe the stupid Mint really did believe they could sell 30k plats, and that they had them minted in advance (we all got our shipments very quickly--a far cry from most U.S. Mint orders). Now that they are minted, they will sell them until the Saints win the Superbowl. Or until Hell freezes over, whichever comes first.
I also believe that a great many of those 15k orders were flippers, and that within 30 days, after they find the coins still available from the Mint, at least 5k will be returned.
<< <i>
<< <i>Out of a total of 6 coins graded (3 sets) so far one Proof came back 69 the rest were 70's. Hopefully this is an indicator the Reverse Proof will have a high 70 ratio. >>
Is that really good? If everyone has a 70 then are they really special? Now if YOUR collection has a high 70 ratio that would be good. Right?
Its good for the flippers, who dump theirs early. Its bad for those left holding the coins. >>
Yep. Low overall 70 ratio is better for long term collecting.
where boxes are opened in front of PCGS (walk ins) , therefore qualifying for FS, but you get a chance of examining before handing it to them for grading.....
let's be honest, if you had the chance to cull out any 69's, you would do so. I think that's why you see the "walk ins" getting 5 of 6 70's.
just my opinion.
<< <i>
<< <i>Would'nt a sellout be BAD? A sellout would mean that 30k sets were sold and that would be a large quantity for plats. >>
Not selling out means the Mint will still be selling these in 2010 or later. Have you forgotten about the 2001 Kennedy Halves or the 1999 SBA or the state quarter first day coin covers? Once minted, they rarely destroy coins. Instead, they languish for years on the website.
I believe the stupid Mint really did believe they could sell 30k plats, and that they had them minted in advance (we all got our shipments very quickly--a far cry from most U.S. Mint orders). Now that they are minted, they will sell them until the Saints win the Superbowl. Or until Hell freezes over, whichever comes first.
I also believe that a great many of those 15k orders were flippers, and that within 30 days, after they find the coins still available from the Mint, at least 5k will be returned. >>
Then it seems like a lose-lose situation because a sellout is too many in the market. No sellout is the situation you describe.
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes.
I am not against them, I'm just looking from a typical collector's standpoint. A couple grand will buy lots of decent bust halves, some classic St Gaudens ... even 3 Dollar gold., CC minted, or some great IHCs There is much more fun to be had using a huge chunk of change for other numismatic endeavors at this juncture in my life than to beat my head against the wall with HEAVY METAL
<< <i>
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception. >>
I guess a long as PCGS continues to have a special census count you are correct. If they stop it in the future then the designation would be less important and those paying a premium would be left holding the bag. Of course if you have sold by then then you are left with the money but also some unhappy customers.
<< <i>
I guess a long as PCGS continues to have a special census count you are correct. If they stop it in the future then the designation would be less important and those paying a premium would be left holding the bag. Of course if you have sold by then then you are left with the money but also some unhappy customers. >>
As in the rest of life, there is no guarantee what tomorrow may bring
<< <i>
<< <i>
I guess a long as PCGS continues to have a special census count you are correct. If they stop it in the future then the designation would be less important and those paying a premium would be left holding the bag. Of course if you have sold by then then you are left with the money but also some unhappy customers. >>
As in the rest of life, there is no guarantee what tomorrow may bring
Did you have to remind me on the threshold of a new year?
<< <i>Did you have to remind me on the threshold of a new year? >>
Happy New Year!
<< <i>
<< <i>Did you have to remind me on the threshold of a new year? >>
Happy New Year!
And may all your coins be "first strikes"
<< <i>That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
The Platinum Proof issues regularly have less than 10,000 total pieces and the PCGS 70 ratio is around 15%.
Plats are not for everyone, that's for sure. Just like $3.00 Gold, CC minted or busties are not for everybody. If you are talking strictly in a numismatic endeavor sense, the Plat RP is a very solid and appropriate design for the times, and the finish makes this a very classy-looking acquisition.
There will never be another first-issue Reverse Proof Plat, and if you have the other 2 Reverse Proofs, this coin is pretty much Essential. And you can acquire one knowing with 100% certainty that it has not been chemically-treated, cleaned, whizzed, tooled, puttied, or artificially-toned.
And, in a pinch - it's still 99.95% platinum, produced in an instantly recognizable form by a recognized issuer of some repute.
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>
<< <i>That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
The Platinum Proof issues regularly have less than 10,000 total pieces and the PCGS 70 ratio is around 15%. >>
Could be other reasons for low 70's count besides strike volume, no? Planchet flaws? Handling?
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception. >>
I see it as taking advantage of the ignorant. Period.
Thanks for taking the time to share your views.
Joe
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Since the First StrikeSM is limited to the coins shipped within the first 30 days if they don't sellout by then, it would make the First StrikeSM coins with the limited poulation the most desirable. I could care less what the Mint does with the remaining sets. IMO the First StrikeSM 10th anniversary coins will be limited to less than 4,000 coins total and even fewer of those will be 70's. >>
That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
Flippers do not determine fair market value, collectors do. If they want to pay more for First StrikeSM designated set that is their choice. Time and time again it is clearly evidenced that First StrikeSM designated coins at the 70 level bring a substancial premium over the non First StrikeSM and IMO the 10th anniversary set will be no exception. >>
I see it as taking advantage of the ignorant. Period. >>
Look at most of the products advertized today (and even in the past). I think ignorance is the lifeblood of sales. Not to excuse it but just an observation.
Proud recipient of two "You Suck" awards
<< <i>
<< <i>That might make a difference for a flipper but really what does a first strike mean on these coins? 30k is really low for die wear is it not? They should all have good strikes. >>
The Platinum Proof issues regularly have less than 10,000 total pieces and the PCGS 70 ratio is around 15%. >>
By my calculation, the majority of the years have a PCGS 70 ratio of about 6%. That is for the halves. Thinking that this set of halves will have a higher 70 ratio is wishful thinking.
<< <i>As of Dec. 25, the Mint recorded sales of 15,840 sets. Should the Mint not receive orders to exhaust the mintage limit of 30,000 sets by Dec. 31, the sets will continue to be offered into 2008, since the maximum mintage of the coins has already been struck at the West Point Mint, according to U.S. Mint officials. U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White said Dec. 19 that all of the coins for the sets were struck between early September and early December. White said Dec. 26 that since sales were considered strong as of Dec. 20, following the first seven days of sales, Mint officials will next reevaluate at the 30-day mark whether to change the order restrictions. >>
The poll results as I remove the cut-off sales at the end of the year option: