Proof or Business strike?

DesertLizard

Many moons ago [30+yrs] I used to hear "buy the business strike avoid proofs".

Today I see proofs mingling with Biz Strikes in collections, dealer offerings, registries, etc. I guess the stigma is gone?

My question is are there more 'pure' biz strike or more proof collectors today. What do you prefer and why. Thanks for your input.

coinrookie

I collect mainly proof coins. The brilliant proofs are nice and I have some, but they are not much more attractive to me than a high grade ms coin. But when a proof has heavy frost that is even on the obverse and reverse, that to me is the ultimate coin. The contrast shows the detail so much better than a business strike.

cladking

Moderns are frequently collected as both mint state and proof by collectors and the
collectors are still more likely to specialize in one or the other with the classics.

shirohniichan

I collect business strikes because I'm interested in coins primarily for their history. I think 19th century US proof sets are really interesting (esp. those used as presentation sets to dignitaries, like the King of Siam set), but they're too expensive for me to collect. While I don't collect US proofs, I've taken an interest in pre-1960 British commonwealth proof sets in original cases.

Cam40

Before I was really into this coin thing,I just thought Proofs were all the rage,with everyone else too.
Now I see a good ` regular` coin can be worth alot more than its Proof contertpart.Wow. I love a good high grade
Business Strike over a equally graded Proof nowadays.Proofs in high grade are SOOOO common.And nearly always white and...well it gets boring after awhile.Then you start looking at nice toneing and it gets your interest back up angain,then....then....well,I,m not there yet so maybe others can say wahts next....

Cam40

I,m feeling it now..........next thing is....IS......THE DARK SIDE!!!

The allure is just too strong.
Seriously.

shirohniichan

Wilkommen!

OneYearTypes

Branch mints of the 19th century rarely ever offered proofs, and those mints are usually more desireable due to their varieties. IMHO, the most unique, aesthetically pleasing coins are the proof-like mint state coins from branch mints.

keets

..........it seems that a heavily frosted proof with pristine fields is the pinnacle of the minters art, whether that's a darkside coin or a U.S. issue. they're just so eye catching to me. on the other hand, a business strike coin that's received no special consideration during mintage, when found in a grade that shows sharp detail and few marks is hard to beat. my personal choice for the ultimate compromise are the 1965-67 SMS issues in DCAM, the best of both worlds. it's almost mind boggling to imagine that with all the paranoid turmoil at the mint during that time period they produced such beautiful coins almost in spite of themselves!! i just love irony.

al h.

coppercoins

I buy whatever has a die variety on it...and there are plenty that are proofs, especially from the late 50s and early 60s.

Trime

Desert Lizard,
Are you referring to purchasing modern coins or 19th century proofs vs business strikes?
If the latter, I am an enthusiast of rare proofs.
On the other hand, if you are asking if confronted with a choice of a 2002 commemerative US Coin from the mint in proof or business strike, it is true that the proofs sell for more at initial purchase but usually retain their value less well than the high grade MS.