Value of proof sets etc

[Gollum]

Ok so I see proof sets and specimen sets on ebay, I like the look of some and think I would like to buy some, BUT, when I look at spink or such books their prices are a bit unreal, well to me they are anyway, would anyone be able to give a general price for those UK pre decimal sets that are more realistic ?.

I like this one, it has nice shiny coins in it but what price would you give.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1953-Elizabeth-II-Coronation-Specimen-Set-Presentation-Case-/270883106258?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item3f11e42dd2

I take it that a specimen set is no more than those coins being released for normal circulation placed in a display box ?. Whereas Proof sets are double struck etc.

[Rob]

Ok so I see proof sets and specimen sets on ebay, I like the look of some and think I would like to buy some, BUT, when I look at spink or such books their prices are a bit unreal, well to me they are anyway, would anyone be able to give a general price for those UK pre decimal sets that are more realistic ?.

I like this one, it has nice shiny coins in it but what price would you give.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1953-Elizabeth-II-Coronation-Specimen-Set-Presentation-Case-/270883106258?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item3f11e42dd2

I take it that a specimen set is no more than those coins being released for normal circulation placed in a display box ?. Whereas Proof sets are double struck etc.

The box is that originally used for the 1953 proof set. If the coins are currency pieces that have been substituted, then treat them as currency. If proofs, but mis-described you would be on a winner at that price. Therein lies the beauty and one of many pitfalls with ebay. The seller may not know what they have or may be fully aware and has described it accurately, though the mint specimen sets were the plastic wallet pieces. The latter are frequently toned and unattractive as a result of spending the last 50+ years in a plastic wallet which has leached plasticiser over the coin surfaces. Ask him for better images of one or some of the coins. This should tell you whether the coins are proofs or not.

[Gollum]

Ok so I see proof sets and specimen sets on ebay, I like the look of some and think I would like to buy some, BUT, when I look at spink or such books their prices are a bit unreal, well to me they are anyway, would anyone be able to give a general price for those UK pre decimal sets that are more realistic ?.

I like this one, it has nice shiny coins in it but what price would you give.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1953-Elizabeth-II-Coronation-Specimen-Set-Presentation-Case-/270883106258?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item3f11e42dd2

I take it that a specimen set is no more than those coins being released for normal circulation placed in a display box ?. Whereas Proof sets are double struck etc.

The box is that originally used for the 1953 proof set. If the coins are currency pieces that have been substituted, then treat them as currency. If proofs, but mis-described you would be on a winner at that price. Therein lies the beauty and one of many pitfalls with ebay. The seller may not know what they have or may be fully aware and has described it accurately, though the mint specimen sets were the plastic wallet pieces. The latter are frequently toned and unattractive as a result of spending the last 50+ years in a plastic wallet which has leached plasticiser over the coin surfaces. Ask him for better images of one or some of the coins. This should tell you whether the coins are proofs or not.

Thank you Rob. I do know of one ebay seller who has got me interested but i don't know if he is being honest about not kowing his coins or worth, he has a lot though that call to me...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Coins-/11116/i.html?_catref=1&_ssn=saltabay&_trksid=p3911.c0.m1538

Its all those sixpences and threepences !. If he is honest then he needs to ask you lot about them.

[Gollum]

I wish these were in my pocket too. SO shiny ...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1902-EDWARD-VII-MATT-PROOF-SPECIMEN-SET-RARE-MINT-STATE-/160704659885?pt=Coins_BritishProofs_RL&hash=item256abe81ad

[Nick]

I wish these were in my pocket too. SO shiny ...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1902-EDWARD-VII-MATT-PROOF-SPECIMEN-SET-RARE-MINT-STATE-/160704659885?pt=Coins_BritishProofs_RL&hash=item256abe81ad

You wouldn't want these shiny, they are matt proofs after all.

[declanwmagee]

I do know of one ebay seller who has got me interested but i don't know if he is being honest about not kowing his coins or worth, he has a lot though that call to me...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Coins-/11116/i.html?_catref=1&_ssn=saltabay&_trksid=p3911.c0.m1538

Its all those sixpences and threepences !. If he is honest then he needs to ask you lot about them.

Looks genuine enough to me, Garry. Nothing special though - large accumulations of average material are the lifeblood of ebay.

[Gollum]

I wish these were in my pocket too. SO shiny ...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1902-EDWARD-VII-MATT-PROOF-SPECIMEN-SET-RARE-MINT-STATE-/160704659885?pt=Coins_BritishProofs_RL&hash=item256abe81ad

You wouldn't want these shiny, they are matt proofs after all.

I know, but to me their nice and shiny relative to those in my pocket, and they sing to me.

[Gollum]

I do know of one ebay seller who has got me interested but i don't know if he is being honest about not kowing his coins or worth, he has a lot though that call to me...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Coins-/11116/i.html?_catref=1&_ssn=saltabay&_trksid=p3911.c0.m1538

Its all those sixpences and threepences !. If he is honest then he needs to ask you lot about them.

Looks genuine enough to me, Garry. Nothing special though - large accumulations of average material are the lifeblood of ebay.

Thank you Declan, I just love those wee little silver coins though. I did just put a bid on a 1888 shilling in his lot though just so I did not feel so let down.

[Gary D]

Ok so I see proof sets and specimen sets on ebay, I like the look of some and think I would like to buy some, BUT, when I look at spink or such books their prices are a bit unreal, well to me they are anyway, would anyone be able to give a general price for those UK pre decimal sets that are more realistic ?.

I like this one, it has nice shiny coins in it but what price would you give.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1953-Elizabeth-II-Coronation-Specimen-Set-Presentation-Case-/270883106258?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item3f11e42dd2

I take it that a specimen set is no more than those coins being released for normal circulation placed in a display box ?. Whereas Proof sets are double struck etc.

That is not the proof set case it's just the look a like often found with the currency coin set plus the crown added. To be the true Royal Mint case it would have the crest inside the lid and text on the cover. These are sometimes described as proof sets to catch the unwary.

[Gollum]

Ok so I see proof sets and specimen sets on ebay, I like the look of some and think I would like to buy some, BUT, when I look at spink or such books their prices are a bit unreal, well to me they are anyway, would anyone be able to give a general price for those UK pre decimal sets that are more realistic ?.

I like this one, it has nice shiny coins in it but what price would you give.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1953-Elizabeth-II-Coronation-Specimen-Set-Presentation-Case-/270883106258?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item3f11e42dd2

I take it that a specimen set is no more than those coins being released for normal circulation placed in a display box ?. Whereas Proof sets are double struck etc.

That is not the proof set case it's just the look a like often found with the currency coin set plus the crown added. To be the true Royal Mint case it would have the crest inside the lid and text on the cover. These are sometimes described as proof sets to catch the unwary.

Thanks for the warning Gary. Unwary idiot educated