Not All Uncirculated Proof Sets Rise in Value
Question: Will you kindly let me know the value of uncirculated proof sets of 1978, ‘79, ’80 and ’81. Also the value of the 1975 Bicentennial medal commemorating the battles of Lexington and Concord; plus the Paul Revere gold American Revolution Bicentennial coin, 1776-1976; and the U.S. Bicentennial silver proof set.--T.G.W.
Answer: Proof sets and uncirculated sets are popular ways of collecting U.S coinage. I suspect your reference to “uncirculated” proof sets actually means proof sets that have not been circulated. Since the middle 1950s, these sets have been produced in large quantities, which attests to their popularity.
As a result, they are, by and large, not investment-quality coins, at least not at this point. Still, many people want complete dates of these sets, so they continue to buy the new issues and occasionally fill in the earlier dates, which go back to 1936 and can be quite expensive.
Your 1978 and 1979 proof sets were issued at $9 each. The ’78 is currently worth about $6.75 and the ’79 is about $5.25. The 1980 proof set originally cost $10; it’s now worth about $5.25. The ’81 originally cost $11 and it’s now worth about $8.75.
These are sets to own and enjoy. You can appreciate their beauty and, quite possibly, eventually realize a profit if you can bear to part with them. If you’re interested in investment-quality coins, you’ll have to seek earlier dates and lower mintages, as a rule.
Your Bicentennial medal is worth about $8; the Paul Revere gold and the Bicentennial silver proof set are primarily worth their bullion content.
Q: Please let me know if this is worth anything (enclosed is a copy of a 5-cent Military Payment Certificate).--G.B.
A: The market for such wartime currency is virtually nil. Your MPC, as it is known, has little or no collector value.
Q: As an older citizen of Encino, I would like information on finding a reputable coin firm in the San Fernando Valley where I live. I would like to sell my small coin collection, mostly U.S. silver and gold coins, dated in the 19th Century. The Yellow Pages list many dealers; the problem is to find one well-recommended.--E.K.
A: As a matter of policy, I do not recommend dealers. The reason is, dealers work on different profit margins, dealers have different needs and different customers to satisfy, and dealers disagree among themselves as to what a coin is worth.
My suggestion is to list your coins, contact dealers and see what they will offer. Most dealers will want to see your coins before giving you a quote. It will take a little work, but eventually you’ll be able to determine the best price in today’s market. If in doubt, don’t sell. Have prices quoted for the entire lot and also for individual coins.
Q: I am seeking information on a commemorative medal that is shaped like a coin. The item is platinum, weighs about .75 ounces, is round and came in a leather-covered gift box. The medal commemorates Expo ’70 Japan World Exposition, Osaka, Japan, 1970. I would be interested in knowing its value and whether there is a market for this medal. Is there a magazine or source for people who collect this type of item? And how might I reach them?--S.M.P.
A: Essentially, what you have is a bullion piece that is worth about 90% of the spot price of platinum. However, if you can locate a token collector, specifically one who is interested in world’s fairs and expos, you might do better. Seek them out at coin shows or contact the California Assn. of Token Collectors, which meets the third Monday of the month at 8 p.m. at Mercury Savings & Loan, 2920 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles. Mailing address: Box 943, Santa Monica, Calif. 90406.
Coin News
Pieces of the Berlin Wall have been selling in department stores recently as the evil symbol of oppression has been systematically torn down. Now, the Hamburg mint is issuing a medallion commemorating the 40th anniversary of the wall. The medal (pictured) is struck in 20 grams of .999 fine silver and is slightly larger than a U.S. dollar. Worldwide mintage is limited to 20,000 medals. To order, contact PandaAmerica, 23326 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 150, Torrance, Calif. 90505. Telephone (800) 472-6327.
The 66th anniversary of National Coin Week will be observed April 15-21 with educational programs sponsored by the American Numismatic Assn. This year’s theme is “Cointinuum”; it features a poster and pamphlet on collecting. For information contact the ANA Educational Services Department, 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80903-3279, telephone (800) 367-9723.
Coin Calendar
Saturday--The California Assn. of Token Collectors will display thousands of tokens at an informal meeting featuring medals, political pins, old gambling chips and other kinds of money substitutes. Members will offer free identification and evaluation. Hours are 1-5 p.m. at Mercury Savings & Loan, 22939 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance. Information: (213) 478-7405.
Alpert cannot answer mail personally but will respond to numismatic questions of general interest in this column.
