Hi fwang2450, thanks for the caveat. Considering the fact that 100 RMB is the lowest amount quoted, and considering the fact that at current exchange rates, 100 RMB is equal to around $16.26 US, I can safely conclude that the price for grading probably isn’t over $15.00, which means that any raw coins priced for that amount aren’t worth much ungraded. However, I have two really nice examples of the 1959 2 Fen (one for my PRC collection and one for my wife’s birth year collection), so it appears as though those are worth a tidy sum, whether graded or not (and both of them would probably grade at least MS65).
Now, the reason that I only collect the regular circulating issues is because many countries around the world go completely overboard with regard to issuing commemoratives (mostly as a money making venture) and the costs can be quite high for many issues. Actually, I did recently buy the three coin set of the 70th anniversary of the CCP issues, since I figured they had special significance, as opposed to something like the Planting Trees Festival or the Children’s Year coins, just to name a couple of examples. I may go ahead at some point and buy a few others, such as the Mao coin, but I do not envision trying to collect all of the commemoratives.
As far as the older 1980 to 1986 issues are concerned, I most definitely don’t have the money to be able to afford the proof sets, or even the 1980 & 1981 mint sets, so I suppose I will have to be satisfied with trying to complete the actual circulating dates only. The only reason that I have the 1979 mint set and the 1982 proof set is because I bought them a couple of decades ago when they were extremely cheap. If I had only known how high the price would get for the other sets, I would have been more aggressive in trying to locate them as well. I suppose that’s why hindsight is always better than foresight, huh?
At any rate, I do appreciate all of your help. Perhaps you could let me know what the 1, 2 & 5 Jiao and 1 Yuan coins for the years 1980, 1983 and 1984 would cost in uncirculated condition. I do know that they are nearly impossible to find (although the 1981 and 1985 dates, minus the 1985 2 Jiao coin, which is proof only, are easy enough to find). Of course, the 1981 & 1985 coins are also the only ones I already own (except for the aforementioned 1982 proof set). However, if I can find circulation strikes of the 1980, 1983 and 1984 coins at a reasonable price, I will go ahead and buy them. Otherwise, I will probably have to give up any thought of being able to add them to my collection (unless I find some for sale from someone who has no idea what they ae worth, which isn’t likely).
Thanks again for all of your help.
David
