U.S. Proof Sets, worth the $$$?

Is it worth buying the proof and/or silver proof sets from the mint every year? I've been buying then since 2002 for my son and putting them in the safe as part of a long term collection that will be his one day. I'm just wondering if I should be spending that money in a different way.
Thanks

 

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The absolute INSTANT the sentiment turns AWAY FROM any Mint product, is the exact instant you need to be doubling down on them. If "everybody" likes them, don't buy any.

 

Most don't seem to retain their value when sold. but then again some people do make some money off them based on what they have seen working.

I personally think that other choices might be better.

 

Take a look at the silver sets for 2010, 2011, and 2012. Of these three years, the only one that has gained substantially in value is the 2012. The other two if you sell them now, you lose money.

 

For the most part, proof sets are losers.

However, you say that you’re doing this for your son, and truthfully no matter what you buy now there’s no telling what the value will be 30 years from now (either up or down).

 

I agree with what the others have said...in general most proof sets have not appreciated in value. Some have, most haven't. But, value isn't the only important thing here. If it's something that you and your son enjoy...then do it. If your doing it for a potential "future investment" I would probably stop.

That said, I bought a silver proof set and proof ASE for both of my sons the year they were born (2014 and 2016). It's not an investment, but a keepsake to commemorate their births. I bought the sets for them to have when they are older and I hope they like them.

 

I've bought a few sets, sort of on speculation, and I basically got the wrong year for value... But I also purchased a 1981 in a coin shop, simply because it was cheap and it was one that was the birth year for a kid. Lo and behold it contains a Type II SBA... so I am still hanging on to it, even though none of my kids collects coins. I am targeting it for a designated slab at some point, if I think the grade will be high enough.

 

Sent mine to NGC. Got PF69UC. Not horrible.

 

@NCnovice

Extracted this one from the 2005-S Silver Proof Set, and NGC graded it PF70UCAM, Mint Error.





Then when the CPG added it in 2012 as Die Dent, FS-901, I resubmitted it to NGC for the attribution which made it a Top Pop in their census. About two months later, I sold it to a collector in California for $1,000.

Chris

 

Sweeet.

 

I have a similar story about a 1979 set. When I was a kid and wanted to collect everything...I bought a few "old" cheap proof sets (70s and 80s). Years later I discovered the 1979 was a Type 2.

 

Nice finds guys.

 

If you want silver at low prices, look at the 1959-1964 proof sets. They've already depreciated to s price close to melt and are always popular. Then wait for the more modern sets to drop. O think yhe 1992 set is a bit low, too.

 

My ma bought us girls proof sets since the early 50's. Her and dad passed in 2002 & 3. Honest. Found them in my x-mas crawl space last year. Never knew anything about them. Have no idea when dad put them there. Most are un-opened. In sets of 5. Theres a list of who gets what. Also has 84 olypics bill of rights etc..coins and other commrative silver dollars. All coins are listed in ma and dads hand writting. That to me means more value then these coins. So my answer to you is. Its not the value of these sets. Its the fact that my parents thouht of us girls every year for 50+ years to leave us with these treasures. Its not always about the BENJAMIN'S

 

So true!

 

Kurt read above. I hear ya

 

Only the names have been changed to reflect it's a different family.

 

Dad did it, so I did too. Still do. I don't expect any monetary gain, but it does satisfy my collecting libido...........

 

The end of three-lens and four-lens sets (2009, yecch!) makes them less objectionable.

 

If you like and want the proof sets there is nothing wrong with doing it. However you would most likely be able to put the same collection of sets together for less money by simply waiting a little while and buying them on the aftermarket rather than from the Mint. Most, but not all, of the sets tend to drop below issue price within a few years after they are released.