I just went to the coin market today and I found this Italy 2 Lire 1985. According to Numista catalog, the 1985 issue is 'in sets only' and proof. I bought at least 4 pieces and they were selling at least a hundred pieces.
Somebody obviously just opened up some sets. I do that, I don't like sets but somethimes it's the only way to get a coin for your collection. I don't put them into circulation though, I just break up the set and put the coins in my collection.
When a mint don't sell all the sets, they break them and put the coins in the circulation. Today it's not frequent but sometimes you can found a BU or a proof coin in your change.
... and don't forget when we pass away (after having split our sets), then our collections might just be sold, and you'll find those coins on the market. I have quite a few like that, and I'm also a set splitter!
In my opinion the sets are only made to pull money out of serious collectors to help finance the operations of the different countries in the world... maybe also for some people thinking it's a good investment?
I used to buy the sets from France and San Marino, but I have stopped that a few years ago, so now I collect what comes into circulation (with the help from my local bakers, my golf club and other shops, where I'm known as a steady costumer)!
I face a similar problem than @christianjaztyn with a 1970 coin I found randomly in a bulk.
So I read the discussion and understand how BU set coin be available on the market but how can I found this information or check it ?
I know that reference has to be done to reviewer but can I access that as a viewer ? To be sure if this is an error or a true BU coin without asking in a forum.
SjoelundIn my opinion the sets are only made to pull money out of serious collectors to help finance the operations of the different countries in the world... maybe also for some people thinking it's a good investment?
I used to buy the sets from France and San Marino, but I have stopped that a few years ago, so now I collect what comes into circulation (with the help from my local bakers, my golf club and other shops, where I'm known as a steady costumer)!
It depends on the individual really as part of my collection of UK decimal coinage from 1968 onwards some coins such as the 1999 scots pound coin are only available in sets so you can either wait until someone breaks open a pack and spends it or buy the set. I have bought every set from 1971 up to 2024 to maximise my collection, which is a complete set of UK decimal coins (obviously excluding crowns as they cant be used in circulation).
