Can someone explain this "limited edition" silver proof stuff?

pcunix

I had read this thread and that was my first knowledge of these things (as I've explained elsewhere, I've been out of this hobby for thirty years).

I see that the mint has been making some silver proof sets for a while, but these "limited edition" sets started in 2012 and I do not understand them. What's "limited"? Is it the set - that is, is it the packaging by the mint or are some of the coins not available (in silver or in proof) otherwise? Is it this that makes the difference?

"The American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin is a collector version of the official United States Mint American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin."

Very confusing and Google doesn't help because all I find is stuff for sale :-)

morgansforever

The term limited is a marketing tool used to create buzz and interest. Nothing more than sliver proofs in pretty packaging sold for a premium.

pcunix

<< <i>The term limited is a marketing tool used to create buzz and interest. Nothing more than sliver proofs in pretty packaging sold for a premium. >>



So it's only the packaging that is limited, then. The mint site is so confusing now..

Jcarney

<< <i>I had read this thread and that was my first knowledge of these things (as I've explained elsewhere, I've been out of this hobby for thirty years).

I see that the mint has been making some silver proof sets for a while, but these "limited edition" sets started in 2012 and I do not understand them. What's "limited"? Is it the set - that is, is it the packaging by the mint or are some of the coins not available (in silver or in proof) otherwise? Is it this that makes the difference?

"The American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin is a collector version of the official United States Mint American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin."

Very confusing and Google doesn't help because all I find is stuff for sale :-) >>



You know how the Post Office started selling commemorative stamps for every and any conceivable occasion years ago thus almost single-handedly pretty much destroying stamp collecting as a hobby? Yeah, it's like that.

kranky

Just new packaging of the silver proof set with a proof ASE included.

Silver proof set alone was $54. Proof ASE alone was $53. Comes to $107. This "limited edition" that puts those together is $33 more.

I don't follow all the Mint items closely, but is it odd that this 2013 set isn't even available until March 2014? Is this just a way of repackaging leftovers at a higher price?

pcunix

<< <i>Just new packaging of the silver proof set with a proof ASE included.

Silver proof set alone was $54. Proof ASE alone was $53. Comes to $107. This "limited edition" that puts those together is $33 more. >>



Actually, I don't even see that. Looks like the $54.00 set was/is 14 coins and the Proof ASE is of course 1 and the "limited edition" is only 8 of them..

Seems like a really bad buy unless I'm missing something?

kranky

Yeah, you're right - it doesn't even have all the coins that were included in the Silver Proof set, it's just the silver coins.

The proof silver quarters set by itself was $32. So this Limited Edition set has the $32 proof silver quarters, the $53 proof ASE = $85. So you're paying $55 more for the Limited Edition set, but getting a proof silver half and dime also. Oh, and also getting that premium packaging, too!

ricko

Caveat Emptor...... especially where the government is involved... Cheers, RickO