1954 Proof set pliofilm issues **PHOTOS ADDED

Jonesey

I got a good deal on a nice '54 Proof set in the original packaging and box the other day. The problem is on the pliofilm sleeves where the staple makes contact, it is badly discolored brown and deteriorating almost to the point of tearing. I am certain these are original sleeves, not like most of the ones you see that have been switched out to poly sleeves with a shiny new staple. Is this normal for the old box proof sets and should I open it up and get a capital holder? Will it lose any value having been switched out of its original state? I'm also curious as to what these coins look like outside of the sleeves, as they are discoloring also. The half and quarter have some nice frost even through the discolored sleeves. What would you do? Open, leave it original, or other? Thanks.

jfoot13

You could sell it to me and never have to worry about it again

sumnom

I don't know how to advise you but I do have a question. Is the figure in the PCGS price guide ($135.00) about right for a 1954 proof set?

Jonesey

That's about what I've seen a lot go for. I got this one for $100, but I only bought it because the coins look great as best as I can tell and the half and quarter show some nice frost. I picked it up at an antique mall, tucked away in the back of a glass case. Pretty sure it hadn't been cherrypicked yet.

Josh

sumnom

Sounds interesting. Can you show us some pics?

Jonesey

Yeah, I'm taking them at the moment. Will post in a few minutes.

Jonesey

Sorry it took so long. Photobucket is working at glacial speed tonight. Photos added. Poor quality.........I was in a hurry.

nankraut

Hi Jonesey,

Yup, on most original un-messed with 1954 & earlier proof sets, the staple is all brown/rusty/ugly. Also, the plastic sleeves are brittle, prone to break easily. In retrospect, it was not an ideal receptacle for proof coins. That being said, it's your call on what to do about the sleeves. By far the safest method of storing/preserving these beautiful coins in the long term, would be to put them in a capital plastic holder, or have them encapsulated by PCGS (or NGC, or ANACS). For best value, I would use PCGS. But, I would also save the original box & sleeves. After all, they are part of the set as issued by the mint.

nankraut.

garsmith

Keep it original, store is with some desicant packets to slow down the tarnishing

garsmith

<< <i>Sorry it took so long. Photobucket is working at glacial speed tonight. Photos added. Poor quality.........I was in a hurry.




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those don't look bad at all, I have some box sets that are worse of than that!

keets

I am certain these are original sleeves, not like most of the ones you see that have been switched out to poly sleeves with a shiny new staple.

i can't speak about the "shiny new staple" but sometime during 1954 the Mint did in fact use some PolyBags.

Jonesey

Thanks Keets. That's good to know. I know I've seen some of these older sets that have definately been tampered with. It doesn't take much to pry open a staple and the sleeves are already open on one end.