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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Proof set v.s. Mint Set
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Question
My dad passed away and left set of 1964 U.S. Proof Coins from the Philadelphia mint. Today I went into a coin exchange store and at first was offered $18 for one set. Then the person who was helping me showed the set to another person who told her it was worth only $10. How do I know if I own proof sets or regular mint proof sets? I was told mint sets are worth more. The sets come in a manila colored envelope with a return address of Treasury Department, United States Mint, Philadelphia, PA 19130 and have 1964 P.C. written in the bottom left corner of the envelope. All the envelopes came in a brown box.
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Hi Arlene,
Thanks for the 1/2 rating on timeliness. It is important to remember that we have busy lives and I do not live to answer questions for free. I was actually away at a convention. Next time I advice being patient and waiting for an answer before making a decision. Have a nice day! Troy
Hi Arlene,
The set pictured is a proof set. Mint sets have more coins and contain examples from both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. The other difference between proof and mint sets is the strike quality of the coins. Proof coins are struck multiple times and have a mirror finish. Mint set coins are business strikes and are struck once like coins for circulation (at least in 1964). The 1964 mint set is worth more than the proof set. You will find offers in the $10 to $14 range on your proof set. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Yes, the following is a canned response designed to help the novice collector with ge neral information. If you need more explanation or you feel my answer is to short, please call me or reply with a more specific question. I own and operate two active coin shops and I apologize in advance if my answer is short, to the point, or lacking detail. Again, please reply or if I missed something or if you need more information.
Information given about values is general and determined by current market conditions and/or the price of metals. Prices and values are subject to change.
Please remember to never clean coins, this can damage and lessen their value. Also, soft plastics can contain harmful chemicals that can react with coins over time. Try using inert materials when storing coins. Plus, it is always a good idea to store coins in a safe. The safe should not be exposed to the elements and should not be up against a wall to the outside. These are just a few tips I have learned over the years to help keep your collection in top shape.
If you found this information helpful please nominate me for category expert in coins. If coming through Los Banos, CA please feel free to look us up at Thoreson Numismatics, 947 6th Street, Los Banos, CA 93635. 209-826-0777, email troy@aucpro.com or TNC Coins located at 118 West Main Street, in Turlock, CA 95380 209-668-3682. Please remember that we are always in the market to buy and sell coins, currency, tokens, and medals both U.S. and World. We are also licensed to buy scrap gold & platinum jewelry.
Thanks for the question,
Troy Thoreson, President
Auc Pro, Inc.
Thoreson Numismatics
www.aucpro.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I thank you for your response. I just got the response today, although you may have sent it to me and I just found it. I was able to get $10 for the sets, but if I had known they were worth between $10-$14, I would have looked around some more. Arlene | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Troy Thoreson
Expertise
Please, no error coin questions unless your coin is dated 1955 or before. I can answer questions regarding all U.S. Coins, Gold & Silver bullion, including regular mint and proof issue coins and currency. Since 2009, I have been contributing to the Red Book, "A Guide Book of United States Coins", by R.S. Yeoman along with two other publications. I currently run two coin shops in California.
Experience
I have over 30 years experience in Numismatics. I own two coin shops and have examined thousands of coins over the years. Please allow up to 2 business days for an answer. This is a free service and I am happy to answer questions - but please be patient and understanding of my time.
Organizations
My company is an authorized P.C.G.S. and N.G.C. dealer. I am a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association and California State Numismatic Association. We are also an authorized Whites Metal Detector dealership.
Publications
I have written articles for Coin World and the Rare Coin Market Report.
Education/Credentials
I have a certificate of completion from the American Numismatic Association on how to detect counterfeit U.S. Gold Coins and how to Grade U.S. Coins along with other certifications. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Computer Information Systems.
Awards and Honors
I am listed as a contributor to the Red Book, "A Guide Book of United States Coins", the Red Book, by R.S. Yeoman. I have been contributing to the Red Book since 2009. I also contribute to the Blue Book and the new Professional edition Red Book. I have many other awards and honors.
Past/Present Clients
My past consulting clients included eBay, Inc., Yahoo! Auctions, and the United States Postal Service. I have many other great customers and help all no matter their level of collecting.
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