MS versus Circulated - Renewing an old topic

Coppernicus

I was thinking about the arguments of those who like circulated coin versus the ones who like the MS coins. Both sides have good arguments. On the circulated side, the thought of "where has this coin been, who held it, how many held it, what was there life like, what were they experiencing or thinking, etc." is a compelling argument, and captures some of the history and "aura" of the coin.

The MS side of the argument, I believe, has an equally compelling case. Who put this coin away? Were they affluent and could afford to store the coin because they didn't have to spend it? What was there life like? Was it all comfortable and happy?

When I hold an early Lincoln in MS condition, I feel a sense of wonder because the coin is very old, yet pristine. I feel a sense of wonder when I hold a well-circulated Lincoln of the same date as well.

I guess that either way, I am holding a piece of history - perhaps two different histories, but histories nonetheless.

What do you feel?

Mike

berylcoin

I too, appreciate both for many of the reasons you listed. Additionally, I always wonder at how some well worn circs can maintain such a beautiful appearance considering the abuse they receive in commerce. I find that just as amazing as the care needed to maintain Gem+ grades. It's incredible that either of these kinds of coins can survive 150 years in so attractive a state.

BC

stujoe

I like circ coins more for their history and MS coins more for their beauty. I do think MS coins have a history too and I also think problem free, circulated coins have a beauty about them too. I am an odd ball in that I enjoy a collection with a wide range of grades and looks. Most collectors, I would say, want a matched set. Not me, most of my sets are very diverse and run the range of grades from low to MS. The only exception to that is the sets that I cannot afford really higher grade examples in.

Circulated key dates really intrigue me. I can't look at one without thinking "How many hands did this pass through before someone said "Eureka!" and recognized it for something special.

Edited to correct some spelling...

CLASSICS

hi mike, classics here...you said it best, both coins have a diffrent history, yet can be the same. someone held it in their hands, if very old, maybe used it to ride a trolly car, or maybe spent it to go to a slient movie to see an old laure and hardy film, maybe even bought gas for their 1910 ford, gee if they could only talk...i have an old large cent from 1851...just think of all the changes that coin has seen, from horse and wagon, to man walking on the moon, amazing when you think about it, and think about the man who pounded the press to make it! that is what i love about the old coins..they take us back into time..almost like a time machine...if you listen closely, they do talk to us...and iam sure that 200 years from now or maybe 2000 years from now..someone some where will ask the same question...gee...i wonder who use to own this coin and what they and their life was like.....its just like the wind..you cant see it, but its always there...ron