In 1995 I bought a 1/2 pound pure silver "Kennedy like proof" coin from the "Washington Mint" Put it away and have not pulled it out until recently. I understand it is not from the US Mint but was wondering if it has any value as a collectable piece versus it's value in silver. Holder was so cheap that air is reaching it and it is starting to tarnish a little on outside edges. Please don't chastise me because I bought something that was not from the US Mint. Just interested to see if it has any value as a collectible. Thanks Darryl
I agree about the design and that's why I bought it was afraid the value was not worth more than the actual silver. Thanks Darryl
Depends on who you ask and who wants to buy this piece. There is always the possibility of selling at a premium to someone who collectos private mint issues. If the item is in perfect as shipped condition. Tarnish is no big deal...even silver coins from the US Mint tarnish in their holders.
Don't worry you did great. If you bought it in 1995 silver was proball around $8 an ounce. Today its $36. You made a killing.
Wow, looks good to me, I wonder how many were minted? Are you gonna be selling? I mean I don't have any money for that big money maker but coins like that sell like pancakes at my coin club. You're gonna make a killing, good for you!! :thumb:
There are some such as myself who collect private mint issues and collectibles..in addition to real US coins. But some of these Washington Mint pieces vary in quality. I have found some of the strikes to be weak in cases. I picked up the 2011 Half Pound Silver Eagle and the relief is amazing. So it depends on who strikes these for WM. Most on here only collect US Mint coins, nothing wrong with preference, but they have little tolerance (and speak for what everyone else wants too) for World coins or private issued pieces...many of which are beautiful strikings. And if you like the piece then cost or re-sale shouldnt matter. Most of these WM items do hold just melt value..as most are not that exciting. I personally would may a premium for a mint in shipping box 1993 Bill Clinton Inaugural Set featuring Washington Mint medals, prepared by Asset Marketing as an upsell to those who bought a Clinton Silver Medal. The case was fine USA walnut with a hand gathered velvet interior. I will gladly pay a premium for something like that in brand new condition.
Funny thing is this thread was started in late 2006 with only 1 reply. Someone revives it today and it has 4 replies. Says something about what has happened with the price of silver in the last 4+ years. BTW: this is an 8 troy ounce piece which is more than 1/2 troy pound of silver.
Unless you are a collector of Washington Mint pieces. I enjoy private mint issues, especially the ones made in USA supporting US labor.
When I posted the question I was just getting into collecting more seriously. My knowledge level has change pretty significantly since then. As far as this piece goes, I still love to hold 8 ounces of silver in my hand. The strike is really nice and not mushy at all. Silver could jump to $50 and I don't think I would sell it. Silver could drop back down to $14 and it wouldn't bother me that it has lost value. For this piece it is just cool to hold a big piece of shinny silver.
Thats exactly the reason to collect something like this..to enjoy it. I wish they had not dropped the Washington Mint name in favor of Collectible America. WM used to, in the 90's, offer some cool 1 lb silver notes. The later 4 oz $100 replicas were never as good.
