1963 mint set
Rybaer
Posts: 8 ✭
Heello, I'm new to coin collecting and had purchased and unopened Philadelphia mint envelope. So I opened it up and the Franklin half dollar has what looks like burn marks on it. Can anyone tell me what this is from and if this hurts or helps the value of this coin. Thank you.
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Welcome aboard! That set is actually a proof set, not a mint set, both manufactured by the mint, but different manufacturing methods.
Unfortunately, the spots would hurt the value of the set. Only nominally though as these sets are extremely common and the value is nearly limited to the silver melt value unless the coins are extremely high grade or have a cameo or deep cameo finish; these sets can be had for $19-25 in huge numbers. Proof sets of the 1950-1970 era are the area in which I collect almost exclusively, and there is lots of potential for profit, however buying unopened sets is not likely the best way to build a valuable collection.
Thank you for the quick feedback. I appreciate it.
The "burn marks" that you see on the Franklin Half Dollar are from tarnish that resulted because there is a small hole or two in the Proof set flat pack celluloid. The air rushes in at that point which damages the coins. This mint made storage device often holds up quite well, but there are instances were breaks can occur with the results that you see.
There is nothing you can do about this. Even if you were to take the coins out of the original holder, which I do not recommend, not type of dipping solution could remove tarnish that is this dark or deep. As a previous poster has said, this does not lower the value that much. These sets are common, and the collector demand for them is fairly static. Most of their value is derived from the silver content of the dime, quarter and half dollar.
Proof sets from this era are inexpensive and fun to collect in my opinion. My advice would be to buy sets in the original mint package, but stay away from the sealed ones that you cannot inspect before purchase. The only reason for buying those is the "gamble" that a cameo Proof (a piece with heavily frosted devices and mirrored fields) will pop in such sets that were purchased at a "normal price." Finding such coins in these sets is unusual to rare, and worth for the effort for most collectors in my opinion.
Another note is that these sets weren't sealed from the mint unless there was a stamp and address on the envelope.
We always bought 2 sets from the mint from 1960-64. These were always sent unsealed inside of a larger sealed package.
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I was looking at some the other day.
All early 1960's and one had a soft toned light blue nickel.
I thought they were mint sets as well.
How does one tell the difference? Packaging?
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Packaging....and the coins themselves.
Mint sets will have all the mint marks (P-D, and later, where applicable, or before, S). Proof set coins are proofs and don't have that as they are from Philly only and don't have the MM.
Packaging is different as well.
Quick look at a 1963 mint set (BU/UNC coins): (From MCM...not mine):
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A boat load of late 1960's early 1960's proof sets met their next phase of life in the melting pot when silver spiked to $50 an ounce.
Hello welcome. Please try to stay away from this "mystery prize" type of purchase until you read and read some more.
A lot of sets from the 50s too....I remember working for a dealer in 1979/80 and cutting up many many sets (even flat pack 55s) and throwing the silver coins into buckets.
I would pull out all of the CAM+ DCAMs.
What's crazy is that there's still a lot of proof sets out there.
A helluva lot.
@Rybaer....Welcome aboard..... That half is pretty much ruined due to the black tarnish.... I do not believe it can be removed...especially the central spots...Since these sets were not normally 'sealed', it is likely yours was sealed to prevent prior examination.... Cheers, RickO
Thank you @Ricko for the info and not criticizing. Still in the learning stage of collecting
@Rybaer.... Glad to help.....Most forum members will help you... and we all started out in the learning stage..just as you are. Please ask questions here... usually prior to buying a coin - if possible....Also buy some books... The Redbook and if interested in a particular coin type... buy a book that specializes in that coin... Hope to see you around .... Cheers, RickO
Will do @Ricko thanks again.
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Hi and Welcome To School! I say school because you'll not only be taught about coins here, but in many other areas. Such as in, ethics, manners and in business. Your first thread/post is in fact an interesting one! One can learn from it, as you yourself just did through the responses. Members here mentioned that, burnt spots as you refer to, is in fact "Tarnished" or like what we call, "Toning". Toning isn't all that bad after all. Many here and collectors in general, have made a pretty good profit in selling Toned Coins. The one post earlier stated to try placing in the window for more toning. You never know how the coin might turn out? It may in fact, become a very beautifully toned rainbow Franklin? Remember, always to post often and don't be a stranger. Most of all, is to have FUN! Once again, Welcome to our Forum. -joey
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This is really welcoming, all these great responses. Thank you all. So you're saying take it out of the cellophane and just leave it on a window sill in the sun for a while?
Alright thank you