Should these be broken up & slabbed or left intact?

I was reading in the latest issue of a major numismatic publication that in order to sell single proof coins and even rolls of proofs that thousands of these sets are broken up annually. One firm reported that they break up 150,000 to 160,000 mint and proof sets every year. Another said they break up 5,000 to 10,000 sets at a time. This is just two companys.

If this is done across the industry then should we keep our sets intact? Its just a thought that came to mind as I was getting an order ready to send to NGC to start on my family members birth year sets for my registry.

I have both mint and proof sets from from 1950 to present and two of each from some of the years from the mid sixties but not all. And being as how its the highest dollar one of late I thought that I should send in my 1999 silver proof set but since I only have one, should I send it in as well?

I have asked several people and I'm getting mixed signals as to the better route to take. Some of my sets that I had from the fifties I have already gone into for the cameo and mint state Franklins. Now I'm thinking that may not have been wise.

Its really a no-brainer if I have two, but what about if you only have one. And on another note to send one of the latter dates in, we're talking ten coins and with the state quarters starting in 1999, and now the presidents, thats pushing 20+ coins. The grading fee's alone are over $200. Thats just for the "business" strikes, throw the proofs in and what does that come to, $400+?

The total cost may make the decision for me. I dont know about you all but I dont mind the cost in buying a coin near as much as the cost in getting them "slabbed" This hobby sure does make the "decision making" count of daily living go thru the roof. Oh well thats what makes it fun and interesting, dont you think?

Anyway as usual Happy Collecting to all of you. WKF