What's your opinion of the American Silver Eagle Series as a collectable series?

jmski52

The only reason I ask is because of the Mint's tendency to produce all types of variants in special sets, not to mention the TPGs who are now cashing in on un-mintmarked ASEs with special labels, based on the code numbers from their shipping containers.

Modern-bashers need not comment, but for those of you who do collect ASEs, is the series still interesting to you, or are you getting tired of keeping track of the special issues and label "varieties"? Do they make the set more, or less interesting to you?

Zoins

I like Silver Eagles but tend to stay away from the special labels and un-mintmarked ASEs. I wish the Mint would just use W on bullion ASEs like the way mintmarks were intended, but it seems like mintmarks are used to sell coins (W for proofs), not show which mint created the coins (West Point bullion coins). Milkspots is another issue that affects the level of my interest.

I like the reverse proofs and toners. I have the following and have toyed with creating a set of PCI toned "100% White" coins.

Insider2

That will be a challenge. Most have already been cracked out and crossed!

As to the OP's question. IMO, It already is and our opinion (you and me) does not matter.

Zoins

@Insider2 said:
That will be a challenge. Most have already been cracked out and crossed!

It's the challenge that makes it fun

Insider2

That will be a challenge. Most have already been cracked out and crossed!

Zoins

I've seen some that have been crossed to PCGS but not that many compared to how many I've seen in PCI holders.

I recently saw a 1999 MS67 100% White. Picking that up would have linked my 1998 and 2000. The color isn't as strong as mine but I could have just held it and let it continue toning in the holder.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PCI-RAINBOW-TONE-MS-1999-AMERICAN-SILVER-EAGLE-COLOR-/112411625447

coinkat

It is more important that it is something you enjoy than what others may think. But if part of the question includes whether these will be profitable, I am not quite sure. As for all the news in terms of which mint they came from, that adds a little fun and speculation and possible research into determining whether it will be possible to identy die pairings to the mint that produced the coin.

Now that could be a project for someone.

Walkerfan

They're cool and have always been popular. Each of the issues have been very affordable, when they first came out. Designations and varieties are one thing but the different labels are endless and not as important to me, although having one or two (labels or signatures) is nice as a memento or curiosity. I think there are far too many ATed coins currently in the market, though, as well. All in all I like the series and it's good for the hobby, as it encourages newbies, it's mostly budget-friendly and it has a beautiful design. I don't seriously focus on them, myself, but I own a few and I like them.

bolivarshagnasty

One of the most collected series. I don't collect them, but the registry numbers don't lie. Right up there with Morgans and Lincolns.

dpoole

I've collected them by date, but mostly because they look pretty. I've considered their value to be essentially bullion.

ECHOES

I collect them, primarily the Unc's. I don't go for the notion that this one or that one was struck at Philly or West Point. To me if it doesn't have a mint mark it's an ASE, regardless of where it was struck.
I also collect the S mint proofs, and any sets the mint offers.

BillJones

The third party grading companies and the mint are loading this series up with too many gimmick coins and fantasy pieces. They are making a series that will soon be discouraging beginners because of too many overly expensive "created rarities." This is killing the goose that has been laying the golden eggs.

And by the way I don't collect the ASEs, but I do keep up with the modern commemoratives and collect Proof set every year. So I don't think of myself has a "modern basher."

ldhair

I started collecting these when they first came out. I quit this year. I'm sick of the mint and their games.

morgansforever

My tuition piece and only FS 70 ASE, was fine for years then spots were born. If you are inclined to buy graded ASE's just buy 69's, the difference can't be seen with the naked eye, jmo. On the other side if you submit ASE'S and are fortunate enough to get a 70 unload it immediately.

BryceM

I dunno. I like them fine as bullion but they don't do much for me as a collectible. Even the rare ones aren't rare.

Twobitcollector

I collect both uncirculated and proof ASE and I put them in a Dansco album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKcAYMb5uk4

erwindoc

got an album set. dont think id play the registry game with them.

TurboSnail

Within a few months, I gather a couple hundred of proofs, burnished, and business strike. I would have to say the best bet is to stay off from graded ASE unless it's a single 1995 W proof , reverse proof or enhanced.

Ungraded Proof & burnished ASE in OGP often worth more than a 69.

As for business strike, MS- 70 often turns sour within a couple year. If one must collect in slab wait a couple years then purchase in the secondary market to be safe.

19Lyds

@jmski52 said:
The only reason I ask is because of the Mint's tendency to produce all types of variants in special sets, not to mention the TPGs who are now cashing in on un-mintmarked ASEs with special labels, based on the code numbers from their shipping containers.

Modern-bashers need not comment, but for those of you who do collect ASEs, is the series still interesting to you, or are you getting tired of keeping track of the special issues and label "varieties"? Do they make the set more, or less interesting to you?

I think its a GREAT Series to collect. Especially if someone is just starting out.

Reasonably prices and they make a Great Dansco Collectible.

As for the slabs? With the recent "hype" on coins minted at different shops with absolutely no other distinguishable varients other than the "word" of the TPG and more recently, the "word" of the US Mint, I believe that fools who chase these labels are simply burning up money.

If they want to collect First Strike™ Slabs, then go for it but be prepared to shell out some serious money for the years prior to 1996. I played that game for a while but bailed out due to losses.

I think that a "strict" collection of distinguishable varieties and mint marks is a good way to go. Some are quite expensive but then, every collection MUST have that one "special" coin and I'm not referring to (W), (S), or (P) slab labels. I'm talking regular bullion, burnished collectible, DDO's, 2008 Rev 07, bonifide S Mint, Proof, Rev Proof and Enhanced uncirculated. Visible differences that won't cost you your life savings if you crack them out.

PS - I don't bother with toners as these are too easily manufactured.

Bochiman

I like them.
I liked them NT
I like the RP

I do not like the "W" "S" "P" etc/whatever each year. They look the exact same and ARE bullion and don't circulate.
I do not like the little nuances that people want to make derivatives of for collecting (08 with 07 reverse or whatever...NOT a big deal/noticeable imho...so for me, I didn't get it, didn't want it, and still don't want it).

I like them raw.

We have 2 albums of raws. No proofs in the raw albums. All proofs collected and in OGP (unless part of an anniversary set and then we have raw and slabbed).

I do not like the HUGE premiums for the proofs from the USMint.

Used to be really gungho with all things ASE, but they (USMint and TPGS) have really put a damper on that with all the little floofy things they do to try to make one spend/buy more.

CascadeChris

They're just fun and easy to put together. Especially with proofs and if you want to add an extra layer the SP's too.

ECHOES

@19Lyds said:
I think its a GREAT Series to collect. Especially if someone is just starting out.

Reasonably prices and they make a Great Dansco Collectible.

As for the slabs? With the recent "hype" on coins minted at different shops with absolutely no other distinguishable variants other than the "word" of the TPG and more recently, the "word" of the US Mint, I believe that fools who chase these labels are simply burning up money.

If they want to collect First Strike™ Slabs, then go for it but be prepared to shell out some serious money for the years prior to 1996. I played that game for a while but bailed out due to losses.

I think that a "strict" collection of distinguishable varieties and mint marks is a good way to go. Some are quite expensive but then, every collection MUST have that one "special" coin and I'm not referring to (W), (S), or (P) slab labels. I'm talking regular bullion, burnished collectible, DDO's, 2008 Rev 07, bonafide S Mint, Proof, Rev Proof and Enhanced uncirculated. Visible differences that won't cost you your life savings if you crack them out.

PS - I don't bother with toners as these are too easily manufactured.

+1

TurboSnail

May I also add? ASE is great for beginner and conservative collectors. For a small premium, a collector can have the luxury of collecting and precious metal to protect their investment as long they stay off the keys and slabs. After all, not everyone is able to spend thousands on rare coins that may or may not loose their value or public interest in the future.

BackroadJunkie

I collect 'em. I like big chunks of shiny metal.

I think I have most of 'em outside of the '95 and a few early proofs. None of my bullion or standard proofs/uncirculated ASE's are in a slab (except for my '08rev'07's), but maintain a couple of 69 and 70 sets for special/anniversary issues.

The only time I believe in "label only" coins is when they define a lineage. (For instance, I slabbed the proof and uncirculated in the 25th anniversary sets to prove they came with the 25th sets, but I won't buy into bullion that had a different letter on a monster box strap.)

The mint regularly sells over a million collector ASE's a year, so I'd have to say it's a popular series and will be for some time...

MilesWaits

I love them in rolls. And I love those rolls in the big green boxes.

OPA

Reverse proofs only...(PCGS 70's f/s)

messydesk

I have a Dansco for the uncirculated ones and a bunch of proofs in OGP. I keep current on the Dansco.

ricko

I was getting the proof each year until they skipped a year - 2009.... That PMO.... and I stopped getting them each year... I did get some of the varieties after that... Cheers, RickO

asheland

Last summer I filled the Dansco album with the regular strikes. That was fun and it's interesting to see the variations of strike and luster differences from the 80's to now. I have a few slabbed ones, it's just fun to collect them casually.

neildrobertson

They're fun and one of the more collectable contemporary mint products.

Goldminers

I think they are a nice series, but I don't have any desire to collect non-mint marked, over priced, slabbed variants that are based on where they were minted according to a black magic marked number on a big green box. Same with first strike labels which have no basis on being struck first, as if that really mattered, but based on only when they were sold and postmarked.

I also don't see any need to collect mint director labels or other label variants either, but some seem to like it.

In general, the Mint's idea that we need various combinations of proofs, uncirculated bullion, burnished uncirculated special strikes, reverse proofs, high reliefs, and three mint marks of these, medals, or gold in any given year is way too much. I think it actually hurts the hobby as new and old collectors get frustrated trying to keep up. Plus it simply becomes too expensive with significant downside. The 2016 eagle actually had over 200,000 graded MS70!!! That is a lot of plastic and sore eyes.

Cameonut

Call me a nerd, but i only see them as an ounce of silver. I buy ASE based on spot. Don't care about all the hoo hah.

Bought exactly one proof ASE in an ancient PCI holder - plenty for me.

basetsb

I think of them as bullion, and there are just so many of them, I don't find them to be very collectable because of that.

DancingFire

@morgansforever said:
My tuition piece and only FS 70 ASE, was fine for years then spots were born. If you are inclined to buy graded ASE's just buy 69's, the difference can't be seen with the naked eye, jmo. On the other side** **if you submit ASE'S and are fortunate enough to get a 70 unload it immediately. ****

Yup, like a hot potato!..

illini420

Mostly I think of them as just bullion pieces, but they do seem to be pretty darn popular with collectors too.

I really don't care for the special ones issued by the Mint, the burnished, reverse proofs, lettered edge, etc.

But I do really like the toned Silver Eagles:

ttown

From my bullion collection. As they say in politics 4 more years
I won't buy another page REALLY

Must be missing something my text and image don't appear in the same reply so image to follow

ttown

BruceS

Ive said this before, but i tried to build a set of pf ms 70s. I started at 2000 and had a completet set to 2015. It was over 60 coins!!. I lost interest when they started offering (w) (s) coins, first strike, signed labels etc....i think they screwed themselves. It did and does bring in new collectors, but it's a fools errand to try and keep up with all the variations. So I just pick up a roll or two each year and thats good enough for me.

ScarsdaleCoin

Today's equivalent to yesterday's Morgan or Peace. Just needs 50-100 uears