Breaking up coin sets... a bad move?

[Mongo 1]

I grabbed an UNC 1983 coin set for a fiver and I was wondering what your views are on breaking them up?

Personally, I am only interested in the coins, as the packaging does not really appeal to me. I would like to store the coins the same way as all my others, in the little self adhesive holders, so I can house them and display them all neatly.

What effect could this have on future value? Judging by the price guides, they may actually be worth a little more as single examples of BU coins, so it seems it would not matter.

I know there will probably be some rare sets that should not be broken up, but for these cheap decimal sets is there really any serious harm in doing it?

[Peckris 579]

I grabbed an UNC 1983 coin set for a fiver and I was wondering what your views are on breaking them up?

Personally, I am only interested in the coins, as the packaging does not really appeal to me. I would like to store the coins the same way as all my others, in the little self adhesive holders, so I can house them and display them all neatly.

What effect could this have on future value? Judging by the price guides, they may actually be worth a little more as single examples of BU coins, so it seems it would not matter.

I know there will probably be some rare sets that should not be broken up, but for these cheap decimal sets is there really any serious harm in doing it?

With sets that contain "sets only" or "proof only" coins, it is an observable fact that selling those coins individually will generally bring in more than the whole unbroken set would. I've split cheap 70s proof sets before now in order to supply demand for individual coins, and never regretted it (financially). The same is true of 1953 'plastic' sets which can be bought absurdly cheap sometimes - yet you could sell the BU penny for near on a fiver, the halfcrown for £3-£4, the halfpenny £3, etc etc.

If keeping for your own collection, then if you really don't want them in the packaging, then go ahead and break it. Just remember that the coins MAY degrade quicker once out of their protective shells, unless stored carefully. However, do bear in mind that (e.g. 1983) coins that aren't "sets only" issues, will have little more than face value for years to come, so you must make that calculation yourself.

[Mongo 1]

I grabbed an UNC 1983 coin set for a fiver and I was wondering what your views are on breaking them up?

Personally, I am only interested in the coins, as the packaging does not really appeal to me. I would like to store the coins the same way as all my others, in the little self adhesive holders, so I can house them and display them all neatly.

What effect could this have on future value? Judging by the price guides, they may actually be worth a little more as single examples of BU coins, so it seems it would not matter.

I know there will probably be some rare sets that should not be broken up, but for these cheap decimal sets is there really any serious harm in doing it?

With sets that contain "sets only" or "proof only" coins, it is an observable fact that selling those coins individually will generally bring in more than the whole unbroken set would. I've split cheap 70s proof sets before now in order to supply demand for individual coins, and never regretted it (financially). The same is true of 1953 'plastic' sets which can be bought absurdly cheap sometimes - yet you could sell the BU penny for near on a fiver, the halfcrown for £3-£4, the halfpenny £3, etc etc.

If keeping for your own collection, then if you really don't want them in the packaging, then go ahead and break it. Just remember that the coins MAY degrade quicker once out of their protective shells, unless stored carefully. However, do bear in mind that (e.g. 1983) coins that aren't "sets only" issues, will have little more than face value for years to come, so you must make that calculation yourself.

Thanks Peck, (everytime I type Peck it reminds of the film Willow!)

I will be sure to look into the values of each coin before I decide to break any sets up. If any future value decrease would be negligible, then I will probably store them the same as the rest of my collection and break them up.

Are the self adhesive holders trustworthy for long term storage?

[Peter 615]

I grabbed an UNC 1983 coin set for a fiver and I was wondering what your views are on breaking them up?

Personally, I am only interested in the coins, as the packaging does not really appeal to me. I would like to store the coins the same way as all my others, in the little self adhesive holders, so I can house them and display them all neatly.

What effect could this have on future value? Judging by the price guides, they may actually be worth a little more as single examples of BU coins, so it seems it would not matter.

I know there will probably be some rare sets that should not be broken up, but for these cheap decimal sets is there really any serious harm in doing it?

With sets that contain "sets only" or "proof only" coins, it is an observable fact that selling those coins individually will generally bring in more than the whole unbroken set would. I've split cheap 70s proof sets before now in order to supply demand for individual coins, and never regretted it (financially). The same is true of 1953 'plastic' sets which can be bought absurdly cheap sometimes - yet you could sell the BU penny for near on a fiver, the halfcrown for £3-£4, the halfpenny £3, etc etc.

If keeping for your own collection, then if you really don't want them in the packaging, then go ahead and break it. Just remember that the coins MAY degrade quicker once out of their protective shells, unless stored carefully. However, do bear in mind that (e.g. 1983) coins that aren't "sets only" issues, will have little more than face value for years to come, so you must make that calculation yourself.

Thanks Peck, (everytime I type Peck it reminds of the film Willow!)

I will be sure to look into the values of each coin before I decide to break any sets up. If any future value decrease would be negligible, then I will probably store them the same as the rest of my collection and break them up.

Are the self adhesive holders trustworthy for long term storage?

You will never become rich with modern tat.I have picked up several 1953 sets for £5/£6 which is so cheap and a load of currency sets for diddly.

Self adhesive flips appear OK but so did PVC back in the 60's.

Treat yourself to a decent Mahogany or Rosewood cabinet.

[Mongo 1]

You will never become rich with modern tat.I have picked up several 1953 sets for £5/£6 which is so cheap and a load of currency sets for diddly.

Self adhesive flips appear OK but so did PVC back in the 60's.

Treat yourself to a decent Mahogany or Rosewood cabinet.

I may look into getting a cabinet, later on. For now, my shoe box will have to do!

If I can pick up the sets really cheap, then I will grab them, as I do like the look of modern coins too, although I know they will never be worth a fortune. So I guess It does not really matter if the cheap modern sets are broken up or not...

[TomGoodheart 402]

Treat yourself to a decent Mahogany or Rosewood cabinet.

On that note, there are some listed on ebay that state they are made from 'furniture board'. Not sure if this is mdf or something else, but proper mahogany trays are tried and tested and safe. MDF is not recommended for coins of any value as we don't know the long term effects of the glues etc that are used in manufacture.

I had my cabinet made by Peter Nichols, but they can also be picked up at auction, though that way you have less choice about the size of the various holes. But a bit cheaper.

[Peckris 579]

Treat yourself to a decent Mahogany or Rosewood cabinet.

On that note, there are some listed on ebay that state they are made from 'furniture board'. Not sure if this is mdf or something else, but proper mahogany trays are tried and tested and safe. MDF is not recommended for coins of any value as we don't know the long term effects of the glues etc that are used in manufacture.

I had my cabinet made by Peter Nichols, but they can also be picked up at auction, though that way you have less choice about the size of the various holes. But a bit cheaper.

I guessed that from a picture you posted on another thread! There's something instantly recognisable about the wood he uses, then there's those red felt inserts... I have two of 'em. St Leonards on Sea, isn't he? Or something like that.

[Gary 7]

Treat yourself to a decent Mahogany or Rosewood cabinet.

On that note, there are some listed on ebay that state they are made from 'furniture board'. Not sure if this is mdf or something else, but proper mahogany trays are tried and tested and safe. MDF is not recommended for coins of any value as we don't know the long term effects of the glues etc that are used in manufacture.

I had my cabinet made by Peter Nichols, but they can also be picked up at auction, though that way you have less choice about the size of the various holes. But a bit cheaper.

I guessed that from a picture you posted on another thread! There's something instantly recognisable about the wood he uses, then there's those red felt inserts... I have two of 'em. St Leonards on Sea, isn't he? Or something like that.

Yes Peck 2 Norman rd, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6NH www.coincabinets.com I think I remember him telling me that he does not make them personally anymore but his name is still on them.

[Gary D 76]

Treat yourself to a decent Mahogany or Rosewood cabinet.

On that note, there are some listed on ebay that state they are made from 'furniture board'. Not sure if this is mdf or something else, but proper mahogany trays are tried and tested and safe. MDF is not recommended for coins of any value as we don't know the long term effects of the glues etc that are used in manufacture.

I had my cabinet made by Peter Nichols, but they can also be picked up at auction, though that way you have less choice about the size of the various holes. But a bit cheaper.

I guessed that from a picture you posted on another thread! There's something instantly recognisable about the wood he uses, then there's those red felt inserts... I have two of 'em. St Leonards on Sea, isn't he? Or something like that.

Yes Peck 2 Norman rd, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 6NH www.coincabinets.com I think I remember him telling me that he does not make them personally anymore but his name is still on them.

Yes he packed up the middle of last year.

Never can resist the opportunity of showing my Peter Nichols

[Peter 615]

My cabinet was hand made using reclaimed Victorian mahogany.I also use Lindner trays,aluminium cases,and Britannia folders.Self adhesive flips also.

All my pennies are in a damp cardboard box in the shed

[1949threepence 3,367]

Yes, mine's a Peter Nichols mahogany cabinet. Very pleased with it too. Was actually made by him as well.

Can thoroughly recommend.

[Gary D 76]

Yes, mine's a Peter Nichols mahogany cabinet. Very pleased with it too. Was actually made by him as well.

Can thoroughly recommend.

Yes mine was also, about 5-6 years ago, he also made the floor stand at the same time.

[Debbie 58]

Happy birthday Gary - just noticed!

[Mongo 1]

Well I received my lovely unc 1983 set! Exellent. All the 1983 packaging, then when I had a look at the coins, they were all the 1984 UNC set!

So I guess I will be breaking this one up!

[Peckris 579]

Well I received my lovely unc 1983 set! Exellent. All the 1983 packaging, then when I had a look at the coins, they were all the 1984 UNC set!

So I guess I will be breaking this one up!

Whoa!! 1983 packaging containing 1984 coins? That will be rarer than the 1983 "NEW PENCE" 2p. You must put it on eBay - "excessively rare, possibly unique"

[Mongo 1]

Well I received my lovely unc 1983 set! Exellent. All the 1983 packaging, then when I had a look at the coins, they were all the 1984 UNC set!

So I guess I will be breaking this one up!

Whoa!! 1983 packaging containing 1984 coins? That will be rarer than the 1983 "NEW PENCE" 2p. You must put it on eBay - "excessively rare, possibly unique"

That is what I thought! It must be one of a kind... as I can not find the value listed anywhere!

I will list it as a mint error, unique, extremely rare, one of a kind.. One Billion Dollars starting bid!