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A CRIME, GREED, OR NO ONE CARES
I LOVE matched original Proof sets Not put together sets). The thought of the coins remaining together for so long I think is magical and is so historic. I consider these proof sets the last frontier of numismatics.
In my eyes, it is a crime to break up a set to sell it. Most sets have less then 10 known (in all grades) each going all the back to the early 1860's.
I'd love to hear opinions on this subject. Am I wrong in my thinking here?
In my eyes, it is a crime to break up a set to sell it. Most sets have less then 10 known (in all grades) each going all the back to the early 1860's.
I'd love to hear opinions on this subject. Am I wrong in my thinking here?
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
It’s probably greed in many cases and a lot of people don’t care as much as we do.
Personally, taking a set in original packaging (envelope from the mint) and sending it to grade is just as bad.
He or she must do so in a dank dungeon by candlelight. Oatmeal is served on breaks, and there is a cot for sleeping
purposes tucked away in the corner of the room.
Oh, and Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire" is playing on repeat throughout the day and night.
Laura, both you and I have discussed our passion for original Proof Sets. They are the "last frontier" in numismatics. They are so exciting. I can remember as a kid in the 1980's, so many of the sets being around. Great collections had 1858 to 1915 Proof Sets almost as an afterthought.
Its is a shame that someone would actually break up a set. Shocking. Such a sin.
What's your personal favorite original proof set that you've seen?
One that has all of the coins together in the same sealed envelope from the mint and/or one that simply has the same coins from the set that left the mint (holders may have been switched, no original packaging in sight).
To me, the former would be a truly original set. To even grade that set and put it in holders is an atrocity. The latter, maybe not so original but to break it up is just horrendous.
Should the set bring a premium ?
Greed? Sure, everyone makes their own business decisions.
No one cares? Meh, within the chain of ownership folks care until they don't and then it's about the money.
It would be nice if such sets stayed together, but I feel no pang of regret by having them split up and sold as singles. Similarly, I don't care that coin sets from original commem holders have been set free and sold, US double mint sets from the 1940s and 1950s have been absolutely pillaged for nice coins and broken up or presentation cases like the purple velvet Pan-Pac pieces all have new homes.