Uncirculated Albums or both Proof and Uncirculated?

DreamingCoins

Hello,

I am struggling with a dilemma here. I know this will come across as first world problems, I am sorry, but really looking for anyone and everyones thoughts to maybe help lean me one way or another.

So I am just a collector that likes all our circling currency, new and old, but I like it in new condition. Aka, I like collecting mint sets because its good quality coins for our circulating currency. However, I also like to enjoy my coins and view them often. and viewing in mint sets, well, it sucks. So I have been thinking about putting them in albums. Yes that means I am thinking about busting open all my sets to have nice runs of all the coins. Cents, nickels, dimes, quarters, halves, dollars. Well if i do that, there are so many types of albums. Do I just do the P and D. Or do the P and D with Proofs, which include the s clad proofs and silver proofs.

The reason I am torn is because this is a big ambition and one project that will take me years to complete. Which is fine, it will keep me focused. (I hope) So if I go with just P and D albums, I wont have the proofs and sometimes I think its nice to have the Proofs next to their counterparts as they provide more detail at times, (I am not a huge proof fan, but I am when they are next to the PD version) , However if i go the proof route, I will need to purchase ALOT of proof sets and silver proof sets to fill the holes.

I know I will most likely regret this question, but just wondering on peoples thoughts on my undertaking and which route to go?

If anyone is wondering, these would go into Capsalbums. Big fan of them, spendy, but worth it and great presentation layout.

Russell12

you can look at album sales on ebay to what pages are included in the ones you are interested in.

Namvet69

Me thinks you've answered your own question. If and when you complete the UNC P & D project, and you saved up enough shekels, then you shall embark on the Proof project. Good luck. Peace Roy

cladking

Do all three (four) in the same album.

The proof surfaces are very fragile so take a lot of care getting them in the albums.

Most of the proof sets are most easily opened with an awl shoved between the half and the quarter. Wear eye protection.

vulcanize

The four Dansco albums that I have with proofs included are the Kennedy Halves series, George Washington quarters series along with the Roosevelt dimes and the III cent nickels.
As Namvet69 has mentioned above, completing the circulated/uncirculated in high grades before embarking on the proofs is the best way to go since I was scattered in my acquisitions and could not do full justice.

ndeagles

If you are worried about cost, proof sets are dirt cheap, the silver proof sets can get a little pricey

Jzyskowski1

I’m finishing up ( no, that’s a fib) I’m working on my Roosie album. I’m using the Littleton album similar to dansco and the proofs and miscellaneous p & d are really nice looking together. I found someone to help me with the 46-64 part ( thanks @gumby1234 ). I wanted bu coins and that can be more challenging but sounds like you have a good start.
The other resource I use is eBay. Many single coins available and with research you will find the better sources. Good luck and there’s several choices for higher end albums. ( the kind with sliding plastic inserts ). I’ve found blank pages on eBay for expanding the collection with certain coins like perhaps a beautifully toned example that wouldn’t necessarily fit in with nice bu examples. Good luck 🤠

Tom147

IMHO go with the proofs. I have all my albums with proofs. Wouldn't have it any other way. One exception being the Washington quarter album. Early Proofs from1936 to 1942 are quite expensive, so I don't have them in my sets. I bought the blank Dansco quarter album ( without dates ) and my Brother label maker does a fine job so I can customize my pages.
Rather than buy the proof sets from the 50's and breaking them out I bought all the 50's proofs up to 1959 individually. Alot easier on the budget although it did take longer to complete the set.

DreamingCoins

Thanks all! Sounds like the going theory is get the album with the proofs. Work on my unc sets then move to proofs at a later time in life. I like it. Just needed the little push or other thoughts. Thanks again!

Mr_Spud

Those Capsalbums look cool, I never saw that type before. I think creating a custom one to put mint sets in by date with all the denominations in one row (cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half) per year would be really cool. Then do a separate one for all the proof set denominations in one row per year.

santinidollar

Don’t know if this will help, but I use a Caps album to house my collection of business strike Silver Eagles. I only have a few of the proof silver eagles, such as the 2020 end of World War II. And some of those are slabbed. The others stay in their Mint boxes.

scooter25

I was doing what you did for a long time. I would buy proof sets and mint sets and break them up and I had an album for every coin. I stalled out though and k it completed an Ike set and a Kennedy set. However, I got sidetracked by registry sets and that’s what I go after now.

ricko

@DreamingCoins ... It sounds like you made your decision... It is a good way to go... and the best part is, you can always modify the plan as you go along.... Your collection, your choices. Have fun and enjoy the project. Cheers, RickO

Eighteen63

@DreamingCoins said:
However, I also like to enjoy my coins and view them often. and viewing in mint sets, well, it sucks. So I have been thinking about putting them in albums. Yes that means I am thinking about busting open all my sets to have nice runs of all the coins. Cents, nickels, dimes, quarters, halves, dollars. Well if i do that, there are so many types of albums. Do I just do the P and D. Or do the P and D with Proofs, which include the s clad proofs and silver proofs.

I’m in agreement, viewing mint & proof sets in OGP isn’t ideal. Library of Coins offers a nice presentation to view sets side-by-side and notice different die states/markers etc. This album is Vol. 28 and while I’m not a big fan of this specific layout, it works well for me because I have multiples of the same year’s proof sets. This is a run of 5 each 1961 - 1964. This album has a very nice heft to it as well, which is another plus - to me.

Eighteen63

Here is another Library Of Coins Vol. 28 but with a different layout, one that I like better. The first page is proof sets from 1955 - 1958. Pages 2 and on are a single proof set AND the mint set for that year. So, 1959 proof in the top row and 1959 P&D in the second and third row. Likewise for 1960 and on, this album ends with a 1964 proof set and subsequent years are in other LOC albums.

dsessom

Capsalbums make collecting raw coins fun again, in all honesty. I never much liked cardboard 2x2's. Dansco albums are really nice, but Caps takes in up a few notches. Very nice presentation, easy to pop coins in and out, and the capsules keep the coins protected.

WaterSport

I am in the camp that old style Capitol Plastic boards are your answer. The problem would be affordability and finding old style vs new. But they make what you want for the speciality sets.

WS
https://capitalplastics.com/Capital_PlasticsCatalog.pdf

jesbroken

@DreamingCoins Welcome to the forum and according to what you are collecting, as to proof and unc. Let your wants along with your financial capacity determine that. If you can afford them, go with the proofs. Post WWII coins are collectible in both categories, but WWII and Pre WWII may not be. Again, your choice and only yours. Good luck
Jim

BTW:
A few years ago, I started collecting Large Cents and then Half Cents. Copper scratches so easily, I started placing them in capsules. I like them and if you scratch the capsule replace it, as they are inexpensive. I believe I might try the albums. Had not thought of that previous to this post. Thanks.