Opinions Sought Re Early 1950s Proof Set Packaging

RichR

Have you kept your sets in the original Mint box and cello...or have you put them in plastic holders?

And is there a preference in the industry of doing one over the other (ie premium for the original packaging being kept intact)?

And lastly...were the little cello bags heat sealed...or did the staple simply prevent the coins from sliding out the end?

RichR

Bump...

sinin1

staple holds 5 cellophane sleeves shut

premium for sealed box

keeping coins in original packaging will cause purple toning and possibly lead to corrosion on coins


are you collecting coins or investing in sealed boxes?

in the early 50's, some people were substituting chunks of lead or circulated coins and resealing boxes so unnoticable

purporting the cause for US Mint to start flat packs

same story with sealed flat packs (small sheet of lead)

RichR

I ask because I currently have a couple of nice sets stored in boxes (not sealed), but would like to transfer the coins to holders for display.

So if I [carefully] pry the staple loose, I can slide the coins out and then simply save all the original packaging for the next buyer.

ormandh

It sounds like that someone can eventually use the packaging for alternative purposes down the road, but that is just me. -Dan

RichR

<<It sounds like that someone can eventually use the packaging for alternative purposes down the road, but that is just me. -Dan>>

Oh no...let me clarify...I meant to say that I should then definitely keep all the original packaging for when I'm ready to sell the sets. Nothing underhanded implied.

Dentuck

Check out David W. Lange's Guide Book of Modern United States Proof Coin Sets, 2nd edition.

ormandh

I was not implying that you would be underhanded. I was merely saying that once the packaging has been messed with, then everything is out the door. Once the original staples have been removed then it is no longer original. IMHO anyway. If I were to remove a coin encapsulated by PCGS, would it be considered as originally encapsulated by PCGS. Even if I were honest, I think that most people would shy away from it. -Dan

coinguy1

Do as YOU prefer.

But keep in mind, that all other things being equal, the coins are probably more likely to deteriorate, if left in the cellophane. Personally, I think that removing the coins, storing them carefully and keeping the original packaging with them, offers the best of both worlds.

djdilliodon

If the coins are average for the date a simple capital holder will do just fine imo. If they are above average coins maybe slabbing them might be the best way to go.

keets

if the coins are important to you it would be best to remove them from the original packaging. carefully remove the staple and then take each coin out individually and place them in SaFlips till you make a decision on an after-market holder. lots of things can happen to the coins in those brittle cello pouches and i can't think of any that are good.