I agree with Neverland

The Eagles are way ovehyped from an investment point of view. Many of us are into numismatics for the joy of the coin and the thrill of the chase. Many of us are into the Eagles for purely an investment persepctive. I am draw from each side of the aforementioned.

In my humble opinion, the ASE's are overhyped from an investment standpoint. They are, no doubt, one of the most lovely coins produced in the world today and that is why I buy them.

The last few years I have bought several Monster Boxes and sold rolls to folks who typically buy them for the bullion value plus a buck or two over spot.

I have at least one roll from every year and really never plan on sending them in for certification. I like them just the way they are in their snug little tubes.

As a part time investor, I do guarantee that I would be willing to part with my rolls of 1996 Silver Eagles by sending them in for grading should the "value" rise dramatically. Value is in parenthesis as the use of this word in the context of the sentence means someone's willingness to pay UnGodly sums of money for a MS-70.

I assure you there are thousands of us out here with rolls upon rolls of Silver Eagles. I can alsop guarantee you that more than 50% of us would send them in for grading with the expectation that we get 4-5 MS-70 per roll. Multiply that by the 10,000 or so of us who have rolls and all of a sudden there are 40,000 MS-70 Graded 1996 Silver Eagles. The "value" would drop dramatically.

As is always my perspective. Buy the coin for the love of the coin and it's craftsmanship. If one buys a coin with the hope that it will dramatically appreciate in value, the fun is minimized.

While a coini graded MS-70 is fun to have and to hold (I know, sounds like marriage), I would happily have 10 of the same without the holder. I know what perfect is and there aren't really any truly perfect coins out there.

Bottom line is that Silver Eagles should be purchased for the joy of collecting or bullion value, not anticpated return on investment. I would love to have a 1995-W ASE but and it's a BIG BUT, the cost is so ridiculous that I could hardly see myself paying for a 1995 Coin simply because of the "W" Mint Mark.

A 1909 VDB versus a 1909-S VDB, now that I can see.

Merry Christmas to all and I hope Santa fills for stockings with 1901-S Barber Quarters (well at least mine as that's the last coin I need for a full 20th Century Set).

Have a great 2008 and congrats to all of those who ended up being ranked #1 on 12/10/07. I look forward to the special awards and congratulate those winners in advance.

Ciao