Another returned proof set

Kaline6

Just packed up a 2012 silver proof set to go back to the mint--third one in the last three years. In each case there has been a large scratch on the obverse field of one of the Prez dollars.

I'm not looking for 70s here, or being picky--these are for a proof set run I'm putting together for my daughter. But don't they QC these things at all? These scratches are really evident.

AP

A few years back, I had a problem with 2 proof sets. Similar to yours where the pres dollars weren't in "good shape." So I sent them back, only to have the new ones with significant imperfections on the half, and then the dime. After the third try they got it right, but I got tired of spending my $$ on shipping. Sorry you're having that trouble and while I cannot say "I know how you feel," I can certainly appreciate your frustration. Good luck!

KennyH

What do they state as expected condition?

Kaline6

<< <i>A few years back, I had a problem with 2 proof sets. Similar to yours where the pres dollars weren't in "good shape." So I sent them back, only to have the new ones with significant imperfections on the half, and then the dime. After the third try they got it right, but I got tired of spending my $$ on shipping. Sorry you're having that trouble and while I cannot say "I know how you feel," I can certainly appreciate your frustration. Good luck! >>



Thank you! I had to return the set with the Lincoln $ twice--both had bad scratches to the obverse of the Lincoln $. Been ordering from the mint since the 60s and the only other thing I ever had to return was the 09 UHR, for a small scratch--replacement was perfect. (I was pickier about that one! ;-))

Kaline6

<< <i>What do they state as expected condition? >>



That's a great question! The site just says "stunning proof quality" but they are subjected to a much stricter regimen of production and inspection and individually encapsulated. Traditionally a significant scratch in the obverse fields of a proof coin would be clearly below the mint's QC "bar" and grounds for return.

magikbilly

"stunning proof quality"

Why wouldn't these just be repackaged and resent to the next customer as product? Maybe you were the second to see them?

Best,
Eric

coppermonger

I have a returned a few over the last few years too. I don't buy them anymore.

Kaline6

<< <i>"stunning proof quality"

Why wouldn't these just be repackaged and resent to the next customer as product? Maybe you were the second to see them?

Best,
Eric >>



Yup, I have had that same thought.

tahoe98

...this helps the b&m's. collectors shop there if they can and are able to actually see the shape of the product before purchase. it usually costs more than the mint but in the long run it's worth not being aggravated.

KennyH

<< <i>

<< <i>What do they state as expected condition? >>



That's a great question! The site just says "stunning proof quality" but they are subjected to a much stricter regimen of production and inspection and individually encapsulated. Traditionally a significant scratch in the obverse fields of a proof coin would be clearly below the mint's QC "bar" and grounds for return. >>



Thanks. Sounds like either serious QC issues or they are preying on nubies that are not as savoy as serious collectors...

ricko

I have only had to return one package to the mint.... a proof ASE.... with a terrible scratch in the mirror field of the obverse... it was promptly replaced. Cheers, RickO

BillJones

<< <i>I'm not looking for 70s here, or being picky--these are for a proof set run I'm putting together for my daughter. But don't they QC these things at all? These scratches are really evident. >>



I can appreciate your goal of putting together something of value for your daughter, but Proof sets might not be the answer. If you get the Gray Sheet you will be shocked if you look at the current bid - ask levels for the State Quarter Program Proof sets from 1999 to 2008. They have really gone down, and given the price history of these sets, there is not much hope that they will be going up.

It has reached the point where I probably will not be buying any more clad Proof sets from my collection. The silver sets have been losers too, but at least there is some 90% silver in there. With the clad sets you don't much more than face value.

PS.

Thanks for being reasonable to the sets you receive. Like you I don't expect to get get PR-70, DCam coins, but I at least expect the coins to be decent PR-68 and 69 pieces WITHOUT fingerprints and other problems. When I was buying Proof sets from the mint that proved to be a vain hope.

Shamika

It's interesting that there was an episode on TV (History Channel?) that discussed the U.S. Mint and in the show it discussed proof sets. Of course it showed the mints QC department individually inspecting each proof set with a microscope. Seems like nothing more than a good set of eyes is all that's needed.

Kaline6

<< <i>

<< <i>I'm not looking for 70s here, or being picky--these are for a proof set run I'm putting together for my daughter. But don't they QC these things at all? These scratches are really evident. >>



I can appreciate your goal of putting together something of value for your daughter, but Proof sets might not be the answer. If you get the Gray Sheet you will be shocked if you look at the current bid - ask levels for the State Quarter Program Proof sets from 1999 to 2008. They have really gone down, and given the price history of these sets, there is not much hope that they will be going up.

q]

Hi Bill,

Totally agree with you as to the expected future return. I am very much in the camp that thinks collectibles are unwise and unwieldy investment vehicles for kids/grandkids. But my dad started this the year I was born (1956) and I've continued through--it would bother my compulsive side to stop now! It's a keepsake, not an investment, for sure--something from her dad and the grandfather she never met. (And the state quarter values aren't nearly as depressing as the 70's era values!!)

Cheers!

Richard